Early 2021 NFL free agency rankings: George Kittle headlines top 70 players

64. Malik Hooker, S, Indianapolis Colts

In a strange move, the Colts declined the fifth-year option on Hooker’s rookie deal, making the former 15th overall pick a free agent in 2021. Labeled an athletic, ball-hawking safety at Ohio State, Hooker started 27 games over the past two seasons for Indianapolis. However, the 24-year-old never reached his full potential.

The Colts don’t have a stable secondary right now, making their decision to let Hooker walk after four years confusing. He isn’t a superstar, but Hooker is still an above-average safety with Pro Bowl potential.

Hooker intercepted seven passes during his 33 games with Indianapolis.

63. Poona Ford, DT (RFA), Seattle Seahawks

Ford went undrafted in 2018 and signed with the Seahawks. By the second half of the season, Pete Carroll realized he’d found a diamond in the rough. An undersized, space-eating defensive tackle, Ford won a starting job along the line this past season.

Because he tends to play the running game and not rush the passer, Ford will never become a superstar. However, he’s an excellent complement for a pass rush orientated defensive tackle like Jarran Reed. Ford is entering the final season of a three-year deal with Seattle. He’ll make less than $800 thousand this season.

Ford is a restricted free agent in 2021, meaning the Seahawks have a strong chance of re-signing him. Teams can apply a tender to restricted free agents with a designated draft pick attached. Other teams can negotiate with the free agent and submit offers, but the original team can match offer sheets. If the original team doesn’t match an offer, the new team must trade a draft pick in the designated round to original the organization.