As training camp creeps closer, we take a look at the Indianapolis Colts safety position and its best player.
Name: Malik Hooker
Position: S
Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 214
Age: 23
Year Drafted: 2017 (first round)
Background
Coming out of Ohio State, Hooker was the Colts’ first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft. It was the first selection made by current general manager Chris Ballard since he took over the reigns in January of that year.
Hooker flashed his rookie season nabbing three interceptions in seven games but eventually lost his season to a torn ACL against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Though his numbers might have been down in 2018, Hooker was still a very solid player for the Colts. Opposing offenses rarely targeted his deep half of the field.
2019 Outlook
If all goes well, Hooker should have his best season yet. The biggest area of worry is with injuries. He’s battled with different ailments ever since he arrived in Indianapolis but now has a clean bill of health entering training camp.
Though the Colts like to use two-high safety looks in the secondary, there is a chance they use Hooker more in his expected role as a free-ranging single safety. This could allow for more opportunities to make plays on the ball.
Hooker is immensely talented and has yet to reach his ceiling, but we could see him take steps toward that in 2019.
Bottom Line
The Colts secondary is extremely young and while Hooker is entering his third season, he fits in that group. If he stays healthy, a big year will be ahead for the rangy safety.
