The 2017 NFL draft was Chris Ballard’s first as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, and they were ecstatic when safety Malik Hooker fell to their spot in the middle of the first round.
But would Hooker still be the pick for the Colts three years later? According to Pro Football Focus and their re-draft of the 2017 class, the answer would be no. But they did stay with a defensive back selection.
In Pro Football Focus’ 2017 re-draft, the Colts went with cornerback Desmond King:
15. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: CB DESMOND KING II
Previous Pick: S Malik Hooker
King was fantastic across his first two seasons with overall grades of 85.7 in 2017 and 88.6 in 2018. That fell to 69.4 this past season, but it was still good enough to rank 37th among 114 qualifying cornerbacks. The Chiefs and the 49ers were the two most efficient teams in the NFL when targeting the slot this season, and the fact that those two teams were Super Bowl representatives is no mistake. The best teams in the NFL have gotten good at attacking the slot, so teams have to be able to counter with players who can limit production inside. That’s exactly what King provides.
King has had an excellent career since joining the Chargers as a fifth-round pick. He’s had an impact in the passing game with four interceptions and 17 passes defended in three seasons while also recording 6.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss.
The Colts have been happy with Hooker when he’s on the field, but the 2019 season proved that they need to see more from the Ohio State product. They weren’t unhappy by any means, but Ballard did mention how he thought Hooker tailed off at the end of the season.
Hooker wound up going to the New York Giants in this re-draft, rather than the selection of tight end Evan Engram.