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The Film Room (2017 NFL Draft): Malik Hooker Scouting Report

The Boogieman is real, and he wears an Ohio State uniform.

NCAA Football: Fiesta Bowl-Ohio State vs Clemson Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

With the NFL still trending more and more towards fast, aggressive Cover-3 defenses that prioritize athleticism and range over everything else, there is perhaps no better time for Ohio State safety Malik Hooker to enter the pro football scene. Blessed with an incredible blend of straight line speed, fluid hips, and ball skills from his background as a basketball player, Hooker's unique physical skillset makes him the ideal free safety prospect for the modern NFL.

Jamal Adams may end up grading out higher overall as a player entering the 2017 NFL Draft hen you take into account his versatility and leadership qualities, but if I am running a single-high defense and have yet to find myself a good centerfielder, it would be VERY difficult to put anyone higher on the board than Hooker. He's not flawless, but the bright spots to his game are absolutely blinding. We could be looking at a future Defensive Player of the Year award winner here, folks.

Enjoy the episode!