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5 NFL rookies poised to shine in 2017 regular season

By Zach Goodall

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Corey Davis (Western Michigan) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 5 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Corey Davis (Western Michigan) poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell as he is selected as the number 5 overall pick to the Tennessee Titans in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-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 /

1. Malik Hooker, FS – Indianapolis Colts

Hooker gives the Colts an immediate upgrade to their secondary and a true ball-hawking safety who will create turnovers with his athleticism. Though he had limited time as a starter while playing for the Buckeyes, Hooker displayed more than enough talent to look like an impact player. What’s more, his potential beyond that is even more enticing.

This upgrade is major for the Colts. Last year, Indianapolis intercepted a mere eight passes, ranking tied for 29th in the NFL. In his 2016 season at Ohio State, Hooker intercepted seven passes himself, in a secondary that hosted Marshon Lattimore and Gareon Conley as well.

The Colts don’t have much to hang their hats on when it comes to their secondary. Vontae Davis is past his prime and Rashaan Melvin is a journeyman rotational cornerback holding down the opposite cornerback spot.

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Hooker comes into Indianapolis with a chance to immediately be the most productive member of the Colts secondary. He’s the playmaker that a poor defense has been lacking for quite some time now.

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