It is no secret that the 2020 campaign is a vital one for the future of Indianapolis Colts safety Malik Hooker.
After seeing the team decline the fifth-year option of his rookie deal, Hooker is playing for his job in 2020. Whether that will be with the Colts or another team in free agency next year, Hooker faces a lot of pressure to produce.
USA TODAY’s Nate Davis named Hooker one of the 20 first-round picks who could be on the hot seat in 2020.
Worrisome development when a draft-and-develop team turns down your fifth-year option. But it’s understandable in Hooker’s case given he’s missed 14 games in three seasons and has only picked off seven passes despite being touted as a turnover-producing center fielder coming out of Ohio State. The arrival of third-rounder Julian Blackmon only intensifies internal competition on the back line.
While most would agree the talent is still there with Hooker, it’s hard to argue against the injuries he’s dealt with seemingly every season. He still holds a high ceiling as a solid producer in the defensive backfield, but injuries have kept him from reaching that peak.
Hooker flashed immense promise during his rookie campaign, recording three interceptions in seven games before tearing his ACL. Since then, it has been a struggle for the Ohio State product to stay consistently healthy.
At just 24 years old, Hooker could very well earn himself another contract with the Colts. But it will all come down to his health and production during the 2020 season.