With The First Pick
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2017 NFL Draft Comparisons: Prospect-Player Matches

By Jon Dove

Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Joshua Dobbs (11) during the first quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Prospect: Malik Hooker, Ohio State

Comparison: Eric Berry, Tennessee

Malik Hooker is one of the more polarizing prospects in this draft class. He enters the draft as a third-year Sophomore with only one year of starting experience. His college tape shows his potential, but also the fact that he needs more seasoning.

Hooker’s ball skills and interception potential is what has him rated so high. He features truly special ball skills and could lead the NFL in interceptions early in his career. It’s his combination of strong hands, ability to read the play and quickness that makes him so dangerous.

NFL defensive coordinators are always looking for players who can create turnovers. It’s one of the reasons why Eric Berry received such a lucrative contract extension from the Kansas City Chiefs. Hooker has the raw skills to have a career similar to Berry.

At this stage in the process, Hooker seems like a lock to be a top-10 pick with only his health standing in his way. He missed the NFL Combine after reportedly going through surgery for a torn labrum and hernia.

One major difference between Berry and Hooker is the experience factor. Berry enjoyed a very productive college career at Tennessee while Hooker had limited experience at Ohio State.

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