With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft Holiday Wishlist

By Jon Dove

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) is congratulated by teammates following his pick six during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) is congratulated by teammates following his pick six during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) is congratulated by teammates following his pick six during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) is congratulated by teammates following his pick six during the second quarter at Ohio Stadium. Michigan Wolverines lead at half 10-7. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s the holiday season and everyone has a running wishlist. Things aren’t any different in the sports world so here’s a wishlist for the upcoming 2017 NFL Draft.

As a fan of the NFL draft I always wish for an exciting weekend filled with intriguing storylines. It seems that every year my wish is met as the NFL and its teams always find a way to excite. This year I have some specific wishes for the 2017 NFL Draft.

1. Ohio State Defensive Backs decide to enter the draft early.

The 2017 NFL Draft defensive back class is very talented and deep. However, there are few underclassmen who have yet to announce their intentions. This is the case for three Ohio State stars in Malik Hooker, Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley.

These three players all have 1st round talent with Lattimore in the top-10 range. Lattimore and Hooker are redshirt Sophomores and Conley a Junior. The NFL doesn’t see a lot of redshirt Sophomores enter the draft early, but these two are absolutely ready for the challenge.

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Hooker is a rangy safety prospect who does a good job in coverage. He has the ball skills need to generate pass breakups and interceptions. Hooker doesn’t hesitate to support the run and routinely makes sound tackles.

Conley isn’t a flashy player but he knows how to play the game. His use of angles helps put him in proper position. He consistently works to keep his head on the football which allows him to keep the ball out of the receiver’s hands.

Lattimore combines fluid movement skills and good size to matchup with any target. He has the change of direction ability to keep in-phase with the receiver and limit separation. He’s the most talented of the trio but all could make an immediate impact as rookies.

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