Tag: Maxen Hook

2025 NFL Draft: Vikings targets who won Day 2 of Senior Bowl practices

The second day of Senior Bowl practices has passed, and the hype train is building for some of the players in attendance.

The second day of Senior Bowl practices has passed, and the hype train is building for some of the players in attendance. The Minnesota Vikings and every other NFL team are in attendance, but it gives them a hands-on view of players in a unique environment.

Several of the players at the all-star game are seen as a fit for the team as they look to build off a strong 2024 season. Some of those players stood out on Wednesday at practice, and we wanted to share those with you.

If we noticed, we know the Vikings noticed.

Darius Alexander, DL, Toledo

The Toledo defensive lineman has been a favorite of mine all year, and after Day 2 of the Senior Bowl, he may be everyone else’s here soon. His high motor flashes on film as it allows him to get to the quarterback and disrupt plays in the backfield. On Wednesday, he showcased pass rush ability and flexibility during bag drills and one-on-ones.

Jackson Slater, OL, Sacramento State

On Wednesday, the FCS offensive lineman held his own against some bigger defensive linemen and edge rushers. Slater didn’t glaringly lose any reps, and he showed he could anchor well on several occasions where he looked overmatched when they squared up. I really like how he has played this week, and he has a chance to cement a strong case to be a day-two pick with a strong Thursday in Mobile.

Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State

The hard-to-miss cornerback from Iowa State has played very well this week. Porter has used his quick hips and length to allow him to play very well in one-on-ones, and it showcases his best trait, recovery. I think Porter could be in play at 24 overall for the team as they look to sure up their secondary.

2025 NFL Draft: Bucs targets who won Day 2 of Senior Bowl practices

The second day of Senior Bowl practices has passed, and the hype train is building for some of the players in attendance.

The second day of Senior Bowl practices has passed, and the hype train is building for some of the players in attendance. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and every other NFL team are in attendance, but it gives them a hands-on view of players in a unique environment.

Several of the players at the all-star game are seen as a fit for the team as it looks to build on a strong 2024 season. Some of those players stood out on Wednesday at practice, and we wanted to share them with you.

If we noticed, we know the Bucs noticed.

Maxen Hook, SAF, Toledo

Maxen Hook and his teammate Darius Alexander are representing Toledo and the MAC very well. Hook showed some decent coverage skills but was beaten in one-on-ones, but that isn’t where his specialty sits. What Hook showed was good instincts and change of direction ability that will allow him to be a reliable safety at the next level.

Quincy Riley, CB, Louisville

The Louisville cornerback has made a name for himself this week by doing the simple things. Through two practices, I have enjoyed watching him do well in coverage and not get himself into any bad situations. With a strong day three and then a good performance in the game, we could have his stock locked into day two of the draft.

Jaylin Noel, WR, Iowa State

Noel has been one of my favorite wide receivers in this class for many reasons but mainly his ability to handle contact through the catch. On Wednesday, he made the play for the day with a catch in tight coverage. Add in his ability to be a reliable blocker, and Noel could be one of the biggest winners of the week and a good fit for the Bucs if they lose out on Chris Godwin.

 

Chiefs scouting report: Toledo Rockets S Maxen Hook

The Kansas City #Chiefs may look to target a player like Toledo #Rockets safety Maxen Hook in the 2025 NFL draft.

The Kansas City Chiefs built one of the youngest secondaries in the NFL, but injuries and expiring contracts in 2025 and 2026 raise concerns. The Chiefs should continue acquiring and developing new talent in their secondary. One of Toledo’s safeties might catch the team’s attention in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Toledo Rockets defensive back Maxen Hook is a fifth-year college veteran and two-time team captain. He lacks elite size but is a respectable 6’1/2″, 207 lbs. with 32 1/8-inch arms. Those are verified measurements from Senior Bowl Director Jim Nagy. Hook projects as a fourth-round selection who could bump up a round if he aces the combine testing and interview portions of the pre-draft process.

According to Nagy, Hook ran the 40-yard dash in the mid-4.4s in the spring of 2023, which puts him on par with top 100 2024 NFL Draft prospects Cole Bishop, Javon Bullard, and Tykee Smith. Hook’s speed and range in coverage pop on tape, especially when Toledo asked him to play single-high safety.

Hook is a fluid athlete who excels working in space. He reads the quarterback’s eyes to step down and cut off intermediate throwing lanes. After so many years of high-level play, Hook has mastered fulfilling his assignments in coverage and taking proper angles to the football.

Hook’s athleticism and speed help him carry slot receivers vertically in off-man coverage. He’s more comfortable in zone assignments but has the speed and physicality to battle in close quarters.

Hook is a willing run defender with burst that helps him quickly close on the running back. His sideline-to-sideline range and terrific motor make him a threat to run down the ball carrier from anywhere on the field. He occasionally overruns plays in pursuit. Hook lacks the size and power to separate from blocks at a consistent level.

Hook committed to attending the Senior Bowl in early 2025. The event features three days of practice and concludes with a game between two teams comprised of the draft’s top prospects. Former Toledo star cornerback and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate Quinyon Mitchell attended the event last winter.

2025 draft prospects make Ohio-Toledo worth watching for Vikings fans

On Wednesday night, Toledo faces the Ohio Bobcats and their defense has two players who could be nice fits for the Vikings.

The 2025 NFL Draft is going to be critical for the Minnesota Vikings’ long-term success. They don’t have many picks in the draft, which means each one needs to be spent on a player who could make a difference in some form or fashion.

On Wednesday night, Toledo faces the Ohio Bobcats and their defense has two players who could be nice fits for the Vikings.

On their defensive line, they have Darius Alexander, a Senior and difference-maker up front. He does a good job of using leverage to get into the backfield and has the instincts to be a reliable run stuffer. He has 27 tackles, six tackles for a loss, and two and a half sacks.

In secondary school, they have Maxen Hook, a playmaking safety for their defense. Hook has set a career-high in tackles in just ten games, with 87 so far, while also adding two tackles for a loss and two forced turnovers.

Both won’t be very high draft picks, but they could be fun pieces drafted on day three of the draft with whom Brian Flores uses strategically.