[VeveJones007]

#7 on Brandt's board and #6 on Matt Miller's. Here's Miller's breakdown:

POSITIVES

Malik Hooker started just one year at Ohio State, but in that time, he showed he was among the more natural playmakers I've ever seen at free safety. Hooker has unreal range playing center fielder and was all over the field, notching seven interceptions in 2016 with four passes defensed. He made plays reading the pass and jumping to get over the top that are reminiscent of Earl Thomas.

His speed and his reaction time are off the charts. Hooker flies to the ball and can flip the field with his excellent hands and leaping ability. He's so fast to flip open his hips and change direction in the open field. His body control, patience and burst are those of an elite NFL playmaker.

Hooker has the tools of a top-five NFL safety early in his career. With his athletic gifts, instincts and tools as a playmaker, we should see Hooker routinely rank in the top of the league in interceptions and passes defensed. And with his three touchdowns on interception returns in 2016, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Hooker leading the league in defensive touchdowns.



NEGATIVES

Hooker has battled injuries and is sitting out the 2017 predraft process with a torn hip labrum and a double sports hernia. The Ohio State secondary was loaded in his first two seasons with the Buckeyes, but his inability to get on the field more in 2015 is worth questioning. A former basketball player, Hooker can be a little soft at the point of attack. Scouts should question if he's a one-year wonder on a loaded defense or a truly transcendent talent like the film and stats show.



PRO COMPARISON: Earl Thomas, Seattle Seahawks

FINAL GRADE: 7.50/9.00 (Pro Bowl Potential—Top-10 Pick)