Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: Malik Hooker
By Kirk Binder
The Cleveland Browns need a playmaker in the secondary and Malik Hooker from Ohio State looks to be the best option in the upcoming draft.
One of the Cleveland Browns’ biggest deficiencies during the 2016 NFL season was the play of the secondary, in particularly at the safety positions.
As it stands, Ed Reynolds and Ibraheim Campbell sit atop the depth chart. Neither are long-term solutions and the other safeties on the roster are question marks. Derrick Kindred, Tyvis Powell and converted cornerback Trey Caldwell are more depth/role players.
Kindred showed some promise but too often played out of control. Powell has the measurables but has never impressed. Caldwell switching positions is a work in progress. Jordan Poyer was the only experienced player the Browns had at the position and he is now with Buffalo.
The Browns have not had great success drafting a safety since T.J Ward. Ward was drafted in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, a draft which also contained Eric Berry and Earl Thomas.
Cleveland went all-in trying to acquire the best available safety on the market, Tony Jefferson. He instead chose to sign for reportedly less money with the division-rival Baltimore Ravens. They also attempted to sign Bradley McDougald but he went to the Seattle Seahawks instead. With all the big name safeties now off the market the Browns will have to address the position in the draft.
The good news for the Browns is that the 2017 NFL Draft is loaded with quality safeties. Jamal Adams, Budda Baker, Marcus Williams, Jabrill Peppers, and the list goes on and on. One player in particular though has reportedly caught coach Hue Jackson’s eye. That player is Ohio State free safety, Malik Hooker.
Born and raised in New Castle, Pennsylvania, he only played two years of high school football. While relatively inexperienced he still received 9 scholarship offers.
Even with offers from his native state, with offers from schools such as Penn State and Pitt, he chose to go to the Buckeyes.