In the 2017 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts drafted Malik Hooker 15th overall.
With discussion that the Colts may move up in the 2020 draft, Hooker could be a very important part of a draft-day trade, according to Michael Lombardi:
More players available…Malik Hooker, Indy, PJ Hall Oakland, Rasul Douglas Phila, Adam Sheehan, Chicago. It’s going to be a fun week.
— Michael Lombardi (@mlombardiNFL) April 21, 2020
Lombardi has made note that Hooker is “available,” but his colleague Stephen Holder has said, “teams have called the Colts to inquire about him.”
For the record, the Colts should definitely listen because that’s just smart. In fact, the rumor itself could be the result of them listening. But this is just me speculating.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) April 21, 2020
Why is Malik Hooker Such an Important Trade Piece?
The Consensus All-American impressed at Ohio State with a Big Ten-best seven interceptions in 2016.
He returned three of those interceptions for touchdowns, which was the most in the NCAA that season.
The New Castle, Pennsylvania native is one of the two best players on the ‘All-PFF Era NFL Prospect Team.’
Since Hooker entered the NFL, only one defensive player has started more games for the Colts: Jabaal Sheard.
Hooker also has a team-best seven interceptions and 146 interception return yards since 2015, two years before he entered the league.
He intercepted two passes in 2019, and one of those interceptions was coincidentally against current Colts quarterback Philip Rivers:
#Colts Malik Hooker’s one-handed interception off of Philip Rivers doesn’t get enough credit. pic.twitter.com/Hs61iw09Fr
— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) April 2, 2020
Hooker’s 26-yard interception, his longest in almost a year, was very impressive.
He also had five tackles in the 30-24 Week 1 loss to the Chargers.
As one of the youngest and most talented players on the team, Hooker is a part of what should be a top NFL defense in 2020.
Hooker’s current four-year contract is for $12.59 million.
He is in the final year of the contract, and if he is not traded during the draft, the Colts may exercise his fifth-year option.
If he is in Indianapolis in 2020, he will need to step up to bring the team’s defense to the next level.
He may have the potential to be one of the best safeties in the league, especially with plays like this:
#Colts 👀Malik Hooker! pic.twitter.com/cz63ZF5X5p
— Chris Shepherd (@NFLscheme) November 17, 2019
Why May the Colts Consider Trading Hooker Away?
In 2019, the Colts allowed 23.3 points per game, which was just 18th best in the league.
They also ranked 18th in yards per play allowed.
The team struggled especially with passing defense in 2019.
Their 249 passing yards allowed per game and 29 passing touchdowns allowed were both in the bottom 10 in the NFL.
They also ranked in the bottom 10 with 7.1 yards allowed per pass attempt.
In addition, their opposing quarterback rating of 98.0 was seventh-worst last season.
The Colts could be looking at those numbers and thinking that they could part ways with Hooker.
The team may trade him to the San Francisco 49ers or another team for a first-round pick.
Indianapolis has just the 22nd-best capital in the upcoming draft, so maybe the team is looking to improve its position in the draft.
With 38-year-old Rivers leading the squad for possibly just one year, the Colts could be looking for their quarterback of the future in the draft.
Although general manager Chris Ballard does not want to “force” drafting a quarterback, the team has options.
Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa will cost a lot.
However, Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert and Utah State quarterback Jordan Love may be attainable for the Colts.
The clock is ticking for Indianapolis, a team that is without a selection in Thursday’s first round.
The Colts do have two second-round picks that could be part of a blockbuster trade with Hooker though.
NEXT: 3 Draft Prospects That Would Be A Fit For The Colts