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For his first selection as general manager of the Indianapolis Colts, Chris Ballard used the No. 15 overall pick to take safety Malik Hooker out of Ohio State in the 2017 NFL draft.
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They were elated at the time, shocked that a talent like Hooker’s would fall so far in the draft. Fast forward four years later, and the feeling is quite the opposite. Now, Hooker faces a massive year after the Colts declined to pick up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.
It’s an interesting move for the Colts. Hooker is supremely athletic and talented as a deep safety. He has lacked the production for the first three seasons of his career—mostly that can be attributed to injury and a lack of targets thrown his way.
Hooker’s skill set is best suited in a defense that likes to show single-high looks in the secondary. While that helped Hooker flourish his rookie season with three interceptions in seven games before a torn ACL, it hasn’t done him many favors over the past two seasons.
Since the Colts have moved to more of a Cover 2 defense, Hooker hasn’t had the chance to make as many plays. That said, his 2019 numbers were the worst of his career. According to Pro Football Focus, Hooker was targeted 20 times while allowing 13 receptions and four touchdowns.
The other issue with Hooker’s game has been the injuries. He has yet to play an entire 16-game season and seemingly deals with an ailment every year.
The future isn’t written in stone for the 24-year-old. Just because the team didn’t pick up his option doesn’t mean his time in Indy is through. If he bounces back with a solid season, the Colts would be open to bringing him back, but it means they are putting the pressure on him to succeed.
The safety room is pretty thin, which gives Hooker a bit of an advantage if he does show out. The Colts added Julian Blackmon in the third round of the draft, but he won’t be ready until October most likely.
Hooker faces a big year in what will be the final one of his rookie contract. After being a first-round pick, the stakes are raised for the Ohio State product to prove he belongs in Indy.
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