The Indianapolis Colts announced on Thursday that the team has signed first round pick, Malik Hooker, who the team recently selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Ohio State.
With Hooker now safely signed, 6 of the Colts’ 8 draft selections have been signed with only 3rd round pick Tarell Basham (OLB) and 4th round pick Grover Stewart (NT) remaining unsigned.
The 6’1″, 206 pound Hooker is coming off a standout sophomore season for the Buckeyes in which he recorded 74 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 4 passes defensed and 7 interceptions (3 returned for touchdowns)–earning 1st-Team All-American and Big Ten honors respectively.
Hooker has been highly regarded for his ‘ballhawking’ and ball-skills at safety, as his 7 interceptions tied for the 2nd most nationally this past season. He’s been one of the top offseason candidates to win next season’s ‘Defensive Rookie of the Year Award‘.
It’s worth noting that Hooker sat out this past weekend’s rookie mini-camp, still recovering from offseason hip and groin surgery. However, he should be ready to go for Colts training camp, and the team has no concerns about his long-term health going forward.
As such, Hooker is expected to be a ‘Day 1’ starter for the Colts at safety once he’s healthy.