Cleveland Browns 2017 NFL Draft Profile: Malik Hooker
By Kirk Binder
Malik Hooker is the prototype for a free safety. He is 6-foot-1, weighs 206 pounds, has great hands and closing speed while his athleticism really leaves fans and experts alike in awe. He times his jumps well thus high-pointing the ball to break up the play.
Even with his lack of experience he shows he can read and diagnose a play. This gives him a great jump on the ball or a head start towards the ball carrier. While he was unable to perform at the combine and at Ohio State’s Pro Day, it all shows up on tape.
(Warning: highlight video contains “mature” language NSFW or children.)
Hooker redshirted his first year on campus then played mainly special teams as a redshirt freshman his second season. His stat line during that season included six games played with 10 tackles because he was stuck behind Tyvis Powell and Vonn Bell. The New Orleans Saints picked Bell in the second round. Powell is now with the Browns.
Last year, his first season as a starter, he flashed the ability that has him going in the top 10 in most mock drafts. In 13 games he had 73 tackles including 5.5 for loss and half a sack. His 7 interceptions tied for second in the FBS while 3 were pick-sixes.
His outstanding play earned Hooker a place as a first team All-American. Hooker was also a Thorpe award semi-finalist.
Inexperience is the main cause for concern from a team perspective. Players drafted in the top 10 are expected to start and provide immediate production. Hooker has the ability although he is not yet a complete player. His athleticism masked any shortcomings in the college ranks, but in the NFL those will be exposed at first. These flaws in miss-reads will improve with experience and good coaching.
Hooker had two recent surgeries, one to his labrum and one for a sports hernia. Any surgery this close to the draft is a bad news for any player. This is good news for the Browns though as it could slide him out of the top 10.
In Hooker’s draft profile on NFL.com by Lance Zierlein, Zierlein speaks of Hooker’s ability to change the game in one play but also points out his inexperience:
"His instincts are always bringing him to the football and when he gets there he has the ball skills to take it away. His lack of game experience and issues with tackle consistency will likely show themselves early in his career, but his ability to flip the field is worthy of an aggressive projection. He has the talent to be a high-impact starter for years in the NFL."
This is a common theme in most expert opinions on Hooker. One NFL scout has even taken it a step further in comparing him to Ed Reed.