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2017 NFL Draft: 5 Ohio State Buckeyes The Cleveland Browns Should Draft

By Nick Dudukovich

Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) scores the winning touchdown in the second overtime under pursuit from Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes running back Curtis Samuel (4) scores the winning touchdown in the second overtime under pursuit from Michigan Wolverines cornerback Jourdan Lewis (26) at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State won the game 30-27 in double overtime.Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) returns the interception during the second half against the Indiana Hoosiers at Ohio Stadium. The Buckeyes won 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Malik Hooker, S

The Browns have many needs, and that includes the secondary. Name the Browns starting safeties going into Week 14. Come on…he’s actually been in the news this week!

If you said Derek Kindred, get yourself a front row seat for @Reflog_18’s 0-16 parade. Kindred busted his ankle of the bye! Who does that!?

Enough fun. Here’s the skinny: Malik Hooker, a redshirt sophomore would be an excellent addition to a secondary in desperate need of of help.

Although he’s said he’s coming back to Ohio State, his mind could change following the Buckeyes participation in the College Football Playoff.

WalterFootball writer Charlie Campbell projects Hooker as a top-10 pick right now, while NFL evaluators believe he’ll be drafted in the top 20.

“The evaluators who love Hooker feel he is a safety who can do it all. In coverage, he is fast and athletic with the skills to defend the deep part of the field. Sources also say Hooker has the length and strength to play in the tackle box. They also like how Hooker drives down on the ball. They feel he is a fast, rangy defender with good ball skills. Right now, they think Hooker is on his way to being a top-20 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft,” Campbell wrote.

One NFL talent evaluator said former nine-time Pro Bowler Ed Reed is the best NFL comparison for Hooker.

Hooker has a nose for the ball. His six interceptions in his first season as a starter was tied for fifth in all of college football. He also scored three times of those six picks, demonstrating playmaking ability after ripping passes out of the air.

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