S Malik Hooker
The former first-round pick is under immense pressure to both stay healthy and perform at a high level. Hooker saw the Colts send him a message by declining his fifth-year option. Whether that was purely a motivational tactic or whether they are actually ready to move on, the pressure is mounting for the Ohio state product.
Hooker is still a talented player. He’s certainly talented enough to warrant a second contract if he puts it all together in 2020. But his future in the Circle City is far from guaranteed if he doesn’t prove to the front office that he can stay healthy and be productive.
As the first selection in Chris Ballard’s draft tenure as general manager, Hooker faces more pressure than most in 2020.