2017 NFL Draft KC Chiefs Scouting Report: Malik Hooker

With the possibility of Eric Berry leaving the KC Chiefs this offseason, drafting a top-tier safety to replace him in the 2017 NFL Draft could become a real priority for the Chiefs. Should the Chiefs trade up for Malik Hooker?

With Eric Berry possibly leaving the Kansas City Chiefs, or even if he signs a long-term contract with the team, it would be wise of the Chiefs front office to find his eventual replacement. Regardless of the prospect, they would greatly benefit from Berry’s tutelage.

My colleague and editor, Leigh Oleszczak, declared that defense is most likely going to take command of the first round in the 2017 NFL Draft. Hard not to agree with that statement considering the issues the Chiefs have.

Recently, Ohio State’s Malik Hooker has declared for this year’s draft, making an already strong safety class even stronger.

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The former Buckeye has drawn comparisons to the Legendary Ed Reed by Draftwire.com, and has also been compared to current player, Reggie Nelson by NFL.com.

Similar to Tony Gonzalez and Antonio Gates before him, Hooker could have played Division I basketball, after he led his high school team to a state title his senior year. Thankfully, Hooker made the right decision and ended up going to Ohio State to play safety on the football team.

Hooker was used as a reserve in 2015, only recording ten tackles for the Buckeyes. In 2016, he took advantage of the playing time and climbed up the depth chart, earning first team All-American and All-Big Ten awards.

In his only real season as a starter, Hooker recorded 74 tackles (5.5 for a loss), seven picks (tied for second place nationally), and broke up four passes.

“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.” — Personnel director for AFC team per NFL.com

Hooker possesses great instincts and those instincts really help him to get ahead of or anticipate the play, despite not having great speed. He has the frame teams are typically looking for at the safety position at 6’2″ and 205 lbs.

The previously mentioned basketball skills are on display with his fluid movement playing center field for the secondary.

Another bonus is he is considered to be a team leader. Chiefs fans, think about this: Lining Hooker up along side Marcus Peters would give offensive coordinators fits, with Malik Hooker’s ball hawking hands and skills. Kansas City’s secondary would be so dangerous, just daring opposing quarterbacks to throw their direction.

The biggest knock on Hooker is his inexperience, being a starter for only one full season. He is still learning the techniques of the position and typically plays better against the pass than the run. He needs to work on his tackling mechanics, as he missed 17 tackles this season.

Here is one perspective: “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.” — Personnel director for AFC team per NFL.com

Next: Way Too Early Mock Draft

Similar to the bulk of this years first round picks there is a lot of potential with Hooker, there is no denying that. Teams will have to weigh his pure athletic skill vs his inexperience and his growing pains.

I agree with the anonymous AFC Personnel director, that it will take Malik some time to mature, and learn the position. There is definitely a lot of upside with this player though.

What do you make of Malik Hooker, Chiefs fans? Would he be worth drafting in the first round or worth trading up in the 2017 NFL Draft?

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