2017 NFL Mock Draft: Chicago Bears select Malik Hooker

The NFC North rival Chicago Bears have the third pick in the 2017 Pride Of Detroit Community Mock Draft. With this pick, general manager 3igB1ue3ilver has selected safety Malik Hooker out of Ohio State. Below is the reasoning for his pick:

“One scout said, in his opinion, Hooker is an elite safety prospect comparable to Ed Reed or the late Sean Taylor. While such praise may be a bit premature, Hooker is a outstanding safety prospect who, one day, could be worthy of being compared with the aforementioned all-time greats.

Some may point to injury holding him out of the combine, but on film there is no doubting Hooker’s athletic ability. He impressively drives down on the ball and is a rangy defender, good in coverage and a sure tackler. Some may also take objection because prospects like Jonathan Allen or Solomon Thomas were available.

I did closely consider both, but ultimately decided against each due to their fit in Chicago’s 3-4 defense. Also because the greater need for Chicago is in their defensive backfield.

Overall this was a tough choice to make. Outside of Myles Garrett, each prospect comes with a set of issues that arguably keeps them from being "worthy" of a No. 3 overall selection. After the signings of Mike Glennon and Mark B.F. Sanchez, the Bears seem content at quarterback for now and have been highly scouting second day options at the position, so I ruled out taking a quarterback on Day 1. I think Chicago is in a perfect position to trade down, but I do love Malik Hooker as a prospect. It isn't easy to find true elite free safeties, and one needs to look no further than Seattle and Earl Thomas to see how much effect they can have on a defense. For a defensive backfield that has approached being historically poor during the last few seasons, a true single-high safety capable of locking down the back third will offer great value.

Bear down! (pukes-dies)”