Indianapolis Colts: 3 draft mistakes Chris Ballard made over the last few years
By Mike Luciano
1. Safety Malik Hooker, 2017
Coming out of Ohio State, it looked like there was no chance a ballhawk like Hooker would last until Indianapolis’ pick at No. 14 overall. While the Colts drafted him with the expectation that he could be a rock-solid leader in the secondary for years to come, Hooker was never healthy enough to make good on that promise.
Hooker never played in a full 16 games during his four-year run with the Colts, and he managed time in just 15 of a potential 32 games over the last two years. Considering what the Colts passed on in order to make sure the Buckeye ended up in blue and white, this was an egregious misfire.
Who did the Colts pass on for Malik Hooker?
Forget the entire draft, just look at the first-round players that the Colts passed on in order to grab Hooker. Ryan Ramczyk is an elite offensive tackle in New Orleans, and TJ Watt could’ve put an end to their pass rush questions before they even began. Want a defensive back? How about Buffalo’s Tre’Davious White, who also went after Hooker?
Injuries certainly played a part in Hooker’s inability to develop into a star, and his time on the field with the Colts showed flashes of the type of player he could be in the right scheme. However, Indianapolis needed a fresh start, and getting rid of Hooker is a sign that Ballard is willing to quickly own up to his mistakes.
