NFL Draft 2017: Top 5 prospects who could free fall
By Joel W. Cade
Malik Hooker may free fall down the draft board for two reasons. First, he does not play a premium defensive position in a draft loaded with great talent in premium positions. Second, there is enough of an injury concern that may cause he team to pass on him for a premium position player.
Hooker is legitimately a freak athlete at his position. He has drawn comparisons to Ed Reed at the NFL level. Hooker’s value at the next level lies in his ability to patrol the field sideline to sideline from the deep safety position. Teams running a 4-3 press scheme will love Hooker’s ability to play center field. He is a one year starter and need refinement. But the freakish nature of his game is too good to pass up.
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Traditionally, safety is not a premium position in the NFL. The onset of more spread formations is quickly changing the NFL game. This draft will be a referendum on how the game is changing. If Jamal Adams and Hooker come off the board as early as experts are predicting, safety may become a premium position.
There is the possibility that Hooker’s injuries may push him down the board. He did not work out for teams at the combine or at the Ohio State pro day. Teams are left only with this game film, which is outstanding for a center field type safety. However, why take a chance on an injured safety when several premium cornerbacks are still on the board?
The Ohio State safety may free fall. Again, free-fall may simply mean outside of the top ten. If Hooker is still in the green room after pick ten, the free fall is on.