NFL Draft 2017: 5 Biggest First Round Steals

The Indianapolis Colts came into the draft looking to upgrade their defense at every level. Before the night was over, they landed the Dane Brugler of NFLDraftscout.com’s second overall ranked player.

Malik Hooker has been compared to Ed Reed. Hooker plays the center field safety with outstanding range. He has been projected to be selected in the top ten by most mock drafts. As an athlete, his natural athleticism compares only to Myles Garrett in the draft.

But Hooker was not drafted on athleticism. Hooker’s ball skills on the field is what makes him an elite player. He plays with an amazing sideline to sideline range putting him in position to employ his elite ball skills. Once he gets around the ball, he will come down with it. His presence as a center field free safety effectively shuts down opponents’ deep passing game.

Hooker is truly a game changer at the position. The fact he fell all the way to fifteen is mind boggling. Yes, there were medical concerns and questions about his toughness, but his talent is simply something teams have to take that chance on.

Hooker solidifies the free safety position for years to come in Indianapolis. Hooker is a steal at pick fifteen.