Indianapolis Colts: Evaluating Malik Hooker as Colts 1st Round Selection

The Indianapolis Colts selected safety Malik Hooker from Ohio State with the 15th overall pick.  Immediately, the Colts secondary has been improved.

I didn’t feel that safety was a top position of need for the Indianapolis Colts.  Yes, they certainly had a need at the safety position, but with Clayton Geathers, T.J. Green and Darius Butler on the depth chart, the Colts clearly had other areas that they could have addressed first.  That said, the Colts picked a very talented player who will immediately improve the Colts secondary and be a playmaker that can rally a defense much like Bob Sanders did years ago.

Hooker reeks of athleticism.  He was recruited by many schools to play Division 1 basketball, but instead chose to go to Ohio State on a football scholarship.  After redshirting his first year, Hooker played in 6 games his redshirt freshman year.  It wasn’t until his sophomore year in 2016 that he received significant playing time.  His superb play was rewarded by receiving first-team All American and first-team All Big Ten recognition.

NFL.com’s draft profile on Allen presents Hooker’s strengths and developmental needs.  His strengths:

"Outstanding instincts help him work ahead of the play despite average speed. Always probing quarterback’s eyes for clues. Quick to process and is decisive in action. Flows hard to where his instincts lead him. Has fluid movement of a basketball player in space. Leans and bends into his turns for greater body control. Always active and in constant on-field search for optimal positioning. Hyper-aware of incoming targets to his area. Just as comfortable from “robber” spot as high safety. Mirrors quarterback’s eyes to challenge the passing lane. Very rarely takes a false step. Has loose hips for sudden stop-start to cover in space. Great ball skills. Earned most of his seven interceptions in 2016. Can range over the top to challenge the deep ball. Chooses path to the football over path to the man. Strong hands at the catch point lead to takeaways. Can disguise coverage and hustle back into position. Will strike receivers with some force to jar throws loose.More from Horseshoe HeroesColts explored hiring former quarterback and current ESPN analyst Dan OrlovskyWhen is the NFL Combine 2023? NFL Combine schedule, events, how to streamLatest NFL mock draft has Colts trading up to No. 1 for star QBEagles offensive free agents that could follow Shane Steichen to ColtsHere’s why Colts linebacker Shaq Leonard is going to love Shane Steichen"

Hooker’s magnetism towards the ball led to 7 interceptions in 2016 including 3 that were returned for touchdowns.  He is an exciting player.  He seems to have some natural gifts that are difficult to teach.  He will take gambles and make some big plays.  This could also lead to some mistakes.

Malik Hooker is raw.  As noted above, he’s really only played one full season of college football.  He will take time to develop.  Indianapolis Colts fans may be frustrated in Hooker’s first year as they will see him make bad decisions or take bad angles.  He will also dazzle fans with extraordinary interceptions.  Fans will have to take the good with the bad.  He will ultimately develop into a solid player.  To do so, he must overcome some weaknesses.  According to NFL.com’s draft profile, these weaknesses include:

"Just one year of experience. Raw and still learning nuances of the position. More instinctive against the pass than run. At times can be a step slow to trigger downhill to take on the run. Will take some questionable downhill angles to the ball. Not overly physical against the run. Will duck head and go way low as a tackler. Below-average finisher. Comes in hot rather than coming to balance as a striker. Arm-tackler who needs to tighten up his mechanics. Missed 17 tackles this season. Balance issues show up on tape. Still growing into his leggy frame. Will get caught guessing rather than reading. Squats on tight ends and slot receivers from man and gets grabby at the top of the route."

He isn’t a run-stopping juggernaut.  He will overplay the run and get beat.  Still, he will create dramatic plays that can shift the momentum of a game.

Malik Hooker is also someone with high character.  He didn’t attend the draft, choosing instead to spend the day at the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

This tells you quite a bit about the guy.  He could have easily made the day about him, but instead made it about those whose lives could be made a little bit better today.  Kudos to Malik Hooker.

The Indianapolis Colts added a solid player to their defense by selecting Malik Hooker with the 15th pick.  Where do they go next?  We will find out tomorrow night.