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.
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.
As for his role with the Browns, Hooker would be expected to step into the starting free safety spot from day one. His natural ability along with coaching would allow him to start and improve each week as he adds experience.
There is no question that the Browns need playmakers in the secondary. Malik Hooker is among the biggest defensive game changers in this draft. He would instantly improve the last line of defense as his range would allow for the Browns to employ an aggressive strong safety. This fits with Gregg Williams’s defensive scheme perfectly.
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There is some work to do before he is a complete safety but the tools are all there. If Cleveland picks Myles Garrett at No. 1 overall as expected, there will be instant pressure on the opposing quarterback. With the opposing quarterback having to rush his throws, Hooker’s ball-hawking skills would immediately come into play.
Having Hooker manning the “center field” position would also take pressure off the cornerbacks. Knowing there is a player with his skills helping in coverage allows them to play more aggressive. When you have a star free safety you can afford to take more risks with your own coverage which should result in more big plays from the entire defensive backfield.
If the Browns feel Hooker will slide as far as No. 8 or 9 they have the draft ammo to trade up and get him. Snagging possibly the top two players in the draft would be a major coup for the organization.
Next: Corey Davis draft profile
The Cleveland Browns need to add players of Malik Hooker’s ability to their defense, especially in the secondary. This is a perfect time to do it.