Indianapolis Colts: 3 Players who can’t get injured in 2019

2. FS Malik Hooker

Similar to Desir, safety Malik Hooker doesn’t have a capable backup behind him in the event he goes down with an injury. With the way that he plays, as one of the few true free safeties left in the NFL, it’s next-to-impossible to replace him with someone off of the bench. He was graded as the 14th best safety in the NFL last year according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Among Colts’ safeties, the next closest was fellow starter Clayton Geathers at 51.

Hooker’s athleticism allows him to be an elite ballhawk from sideline to sideline. Last season, he had two interceptions and four pass breakups. However, those numbers don’t tell the full story. Opposing offenses were actively throwing away from him to minimize the opportunities he had to make plays. During his rookie season, when he was tested, he finished with three interceptions and four pass breakups in just seven games.

The current free safety that finds himself in the number two spot is rookie Marvell Tell III out of USC. Tell has a lot of experience as a four-year player in college and he is a good athlete. However, he doesn’t have the chops to back up Hooker. Hooker’s a major key for the team’s defense to continue to improve. If he struggles with injuries again this year, they don’t have a great option to replace him.