So I like the pick. He is a very talented player and is a turnover machine. One of the problems with our D is the lack of playmakers, guys that create turnovers. They need to provide more plays for the offense. We obviously still need pass rush to help force QBs into mistakes. But Hooker has that one elusive trait that also puts pressure on QBs: range. Hooker will be what they were hoping TJ could be, a free safety that can cover the whole field in a cover three.
Here is a great video that explains what makes Hooker special and he weaknesses in his tackling at the moment. Mainly inexperience and bad angles.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=glWAP7vbeH8
The thing I am excited about is his ability to create turnovers. Usually safeties with this talent and range go in the top five or top ten certainly. To get him at 15 was pretty lucky. If they go as planned Pagano has his Ed Reed type player. Listen to when he talks about how many ints he got while on the practice squad for one year.
Now to go get some pass rushers.