The New Orleans Saints took a different angle than we typically see in 2019 NFL mock drafts, using their first pick to add Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Amani Hooker. This latest mock comes from Luke Easterling over at Draft Wire, and extends to seven rounds of picks.
Here’s the writeup on Hooker from Kyle Crabbs of the Draft Network:
The Hawkeyes safety performed well at the combine, running the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds and breaking into the 70th percentile for each of the relevant testing drills. He’s an above-average athletic at 5-foot-11, 210 pounds. That lines up with his college performance, where Hooker started two years and recorded 125 career tackles (80 solo), six interceptions and nine pass deflections.
Hooker would challenge Vonn Bell to start next to Marcus Williams in the Saints defense. They’ve run three-safety sets in the past for lack of a quality third cornerback, but the team is flush with talent at that position now so either Bell or Hooker would have to hit the bench. That may not be the best use of the Saints’ top draft pick. Still, they have to add the best available prospects.
As for the Saints’ other draft picks, Easterling has them going:
- Round 5, Pick 168: Linebacker Jahlani Tavai, Hawai’i
- Round 6, Pick 177: Receiver Antoine Wesley, Texas Tech
- Round 6, Pick 202: Defensive lineman Michael Dogbe, Temple
- Round 7, Pick 231: Tight end Tyre McCants, South Florida
- Round 7, Pick 244: Defensive end Malik Carney, North Carolina
You can find picks for every team in the seven-round mock draft by following this link.
Amani Hooker projects favorably as a modern age Strong Safety. While Hooker lacks the initial burst and range to play in single high, he’s strong in Cover-2 and in shallow zones thanks to terrific football IQ, clean footwork for sudden transitions and good ball skills. Effective block shedding from the slot to blow up screens and impact the run. Hooker should be a starter who can be a true asset both vs. the run and pass. Should transition quickly thanks to football IQ.