Chris Ballard has been completely revamping the Indianapolis Colts’ defense since being hired as the new general manager. That didn’t change with the Colts’ first round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. Indianapolis happily went out and drafted Ohio State star safety Malik Hooker with the No. 15 overall pick.
Welcome to the #Colts @MalikHooker24!#ColtsDraft pic.twitter.com/oqXTOSEP8A
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) April 28, 2017
Last season at Ohio State, Hooker ended up compiling 74 total tackles to go along with seven interceptions, three defensive touchdowns, and four defended passes. Hooker brings impressive playmaking potential, although there are major concerns about him as well. He has struggled with tackling and angles, which can be a major issue at the NFL level.
That being said, Ballard and Chuck Pagano obviously like what they see in the talented, young safety. Hooker will likely compete for a starting job in Indianapolis right off the bat as well, as the Colts lost Mike Adams this past offseason. Currently, the Colts are projected to start Darius Butler and Clayton Geathers at the safety positions, but Hooker could make some noise with a strong training camp and preseason.
One AFC personnel director believes that Hooker will look bad in his first season, but will improve to being a top safety by his third NFL season.
“Hook(er) is still so raw and you see him making all of those plays. He’s a player who will come in and look bad his first year and then be an all-pro by his third year. I think that’s his arc. No short-cut for experience.”
Expect to see the Colts’ defense improve this season from what it has been over the past couple years. Ballard obviously believes that Hooker can help make that happen and it will be interesting to see what the young safety does early in his career with the Colts.
Do you think the Indianapolis Colts made the right decision by drafting Malik Hooker? Who do you think they should have chosen? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!
Stay tuned to This Given Sunday for more coverage of the 2017 NFL Draft!
