Kansas City Chiefs: Top Ten Draft Targets For 2017 v. 2

Kansas City Chiefs Draft Target No. 5

Malik Hooker – S – Ohio State

If the Kansas City Chiefs are truly set to part ways with Eric Berry, they will need an elite level player to replace him. That would seem to sum up Ohio State safety Malik Hooker perfectly. The big play ability he brings to the field is insane. Hooker is a natural athlete who has some growing to do, but a huge ceiling.

Malik Hooker is possibly the most naturally gifted athlete in this draft class.  Hooker is a former wide receiver and cornerback, which helps him understand route concepts.  Large frame with elite athleticism makes him a match up problem for opposing offenses.  Shows the ability to make big plays at any point in the game.

The drawback on Malik Hooker is that he is not very experienced at the safety position.  He still has plenty to learn, which may cause some teams to pass on him.  Hooker is also somewhat overconfident in his athletic ability and will leave receivers too much space.  He will likely struggle some early on in his NFL career.

I have dropped Hooker a little on my board because he still isn’t quite showing the mental acuity for the position. He relies too much on his natural ability for my liking at this point. However, there is no denying that he is a physical talent. That talent will keep him high up on just about every board.