Safety is a position of need for the Houston Texans in 2022, but it is also a position where the club adds young talent.
Some mock drafts have Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton going to the Texans with the No. 3 overall pick, and it can be argued that the versatile defensive back’s utility in Houston’s backend would elevate the defense.
Whether the Texans go with Hamilton at No. 3 overall or go somewhere else, Houston needs to bolster their safety depth with another veteran, and Malik Hooker would fit that bill.
According to Ben Linsey from Pro Football Focus, Hooker is a “buy-low candidate” at safety during the upcoming free agency wave.
Hooker delivered some strong performances for Dallas in his return from a torn Achilles injury that ended his 2020 season early. He has an intriguing combination of range in coverage with a willingness to add on in run support when playing closer to the line of scrimmage. Yet to turn 26 years old, Hooker will likely be forced to sign another one-year contract on the cheaper side this offseason, but there’s some upside for Hooker as a potential starter in that situation.
The Texans have familiarity with Hooker as he was a former 2017 first-round pick for the Indianapolis Colts. Hooker generated 124 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, seven interceptions, 11 pass breakups, and three forced fumbles through 36 games, all but one he didn’t start through the 2020 season.
With the Cowboys, Hooker was able to get his feet under him with 15 games that included 44 combined tackles, a tackle for loss, two pass breakups, and an interception. The former Ohio State Buckeye wasn’t tasked with a great deal and was able to recover from his Achilles injury.
According to Spotrac, Hooker made $920,000 on a one-year contract with the Cowboys in 2021. Houston could sign him to a similar deal and have depth at safety regardless of how they ultimately address the position.