Jacksonville Jaguars: 7-Round 2019 NFL mock draft with monster trades

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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 08: Runningback David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones is brought down during the first half by defensive back Amani Hooker #27of the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 8, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Round 4: Amani Hooker, S, Iowa

One of the strengths of the Jaguars defense is the secondary. Jacksonville is in the process of updating the safety position. Amani Hooker is taken to help fortify the secondary. In 2018, the Jaguars drafted Ronnie Harrison, a safety from Alabama. He finished the season as a starter. Perhaps Hooker is starting across from Harrison before the 2019 season ends.

Hooker played collegiately at Iowa in the Big Ten. He had a total of 125 tackles with one sack and intercepted the ball six times. Hooker stands 5-11, weighing 210 pounds. At the NFL Scouting Combine, he bench pressed 225 pounds 14 times and also ran a 4.48-second 40-yard dash.

Hooker is physically similar to Tashaun Gipson, who was the starting free safety for Jacksonville from 2016-18. Gipson signed with Houston in March.

According to NFL.com’s Zierlein, Jaguars fans can expect the following from Hooker:

"Hybrid safety with an advanced feel for play design and recognition of where the ball is going and how to play it. He could thrive in a “robber” role or as a big nickel where he can match up against pass-catching tight ends. … he has the size, instincts and ball skills to become a plus starter, …"

Is a big surprise looming in the late rounds?

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