Malik Hooker S Ohio State

http://www.sbnation.com/2017/3/27/15067502/2017-nfl-mock-draft-san-francisco-49ers-malik-hooker

2017 NFL mock draft: San Francisco 49ers take Malik Hooker
The No. 2 pick in the SB Nation NFL writers' mock draft is a smart choice

Few teams have been as busy this offseason as the San Francisco 49ers, who have signed 12 free agents and traded for center Jeremy Zuttah. Coming off a miserable 2-14 season and starting with a new regime in coach Kyle Shanahan and general manager John Lynch, this much should be expected.

But if you look at all the players the 49ers have brought in, none are superstars. Holding the second overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, that's what the team needs to find. The venerable David Fucillo of Niners Nation checks in with who he thinks the 49ers should pick.

2. 49ers: Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State Fucillo: Much like the Cleveland Browns, the 49ers need a quarterback, but will pass on one at the top of the first round. Kyle Shanahan could fall in love with one of the QBs, but it seems unlikely for the time being. Wide receiver was an option, with Mike Williams and Corey Davis being two intriguing choices. Some have suggested running back if Leonard Fournette is the best option out there.

However, it comes back to how strong the top of this draft is on the defensive side of the ball. The 49ers defense was atrocious in 2016, and they are making a major change in 2017, switching to a Seattle-style defense. A key cog in that defense is the Earl Thomas safety role. There is talk of moving Jimmie Ward to safety, and while that is possible, Malik Hooker seems like a perfect fit. Ward was a solid cornerback in 2016, and leaving him there while bringing in Hooker on the back-end could be the win-win situation this defense needs to take a big step forward.

Some other defensive options considered include DE Solomon Thomas, DT Jonathan Allen, ILB Reuben Foster, CB Marshon Lattimore, and S Jamal Adams. However, Hooker seems like the best combination of talent and need.

Analysis: The last paragraph in the above description is the most interesting part. You can make just as good of an argument for any of those players as you can for Hooker. Because of that, it might be smart for the 49ers to see if they can trade down, get an extra pick, and still get a top player. If they stick at No. 2, Hooker is the smartest choice. He may rate below Allen and Adams for me, but from a scheme standpoint, he's the right choice.

Originally posted by adrianlesnar:
I'm curious if we were picking 3rd instead of 2nd and Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas went one and two who are you guys taking?

Jamal Adams. I believe Hooker may have higher upside, and he's an elite ball-hawk in a passing league. But Adams is a rock-star in his own right. Unlike Hooker, Adams has no injury baggage, and his leadership presence and intangibles are next to none in this draft. He'll spearhead the culture change Lynch wants for this locker room.

What's more, I believe SS (Tartt/Reid) is a bigger need for us than FS (Ward/Reid).

He's coming on the Jim Rome show right now for an interview. Listen if you can

Here's the early part of the draft as I'm seeing it now...if Lynch stands pat at #2, go ahead and pick Hooker. He's made to play the deep S position...he's got the size, range, speed and toughness to play it well. I just don't see Ward holding up...love the kid, but just don't believe he's stout enough to survive that position. Next, (not in any particular order) grab the big kid Melifonwu from U Conn. Guys his size who have 4.4 speed & can play any secondary position just don't grow on trees. Picture him lining up opposite Robinson...or playing SS. Woof. Next, draft Carlos Watkins...he'd give Saleh the last piece to make his front formidable. Our secondary could grow to become elite...if Lynch is willing to make those moves. Given the majority of FA signings have been on the offense, I'm expecting a defense-heavy draft, while still getting a RB, WR, OL and pass rusher. It's definitely doable.

I don't understand how someone can say there is a bigger need at FS than a stud DLman.

Basically the people saying FS is a bigger need is cool giving Arik Armstead a chance to prove himself at a position that's a worse fit for him than before when he hasn't shown that much to be impressed about but don't trust Jimmie Ward to play well at a position which puts him into a better position to succeed after he had success playing one of the toughest positions a DB can play in nickel corner.

And while this doesn't change how I felt about Hooker or Lattimore before...my company has been working with OSU and without getting into specifics they have totally put me off on anything related to OSU so more reason to not want him as a 49er

Originally posted by genus49:

I don't understand how someone can say there is a bigger need at FS than a stud DLman]

And yet experts keep saying it. Weird

Originally posted by 16to804ever:

He's coming on the Jim Rome show right now for an interview. Listen if you can

Recap?

Originally posted by Lobo49er:
And yet experts keep saying it. Weird

Who are these experts?

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by Lobo49er:
And yet experts keep saying it. Weird

Who are these experts?

Really?

Originally posted by NinerBuff:

I find the most interesting updates as we get close to the draft is which players are being discussed. A month ago, all the traffic was Trubisky, then it was Thomas, and now it seems to be Hooker...

The best way to spend the offseason!!!! By the way I also think Solomon would be a great selection, looks to have that desire and has a great burst. I think Solomon is the safer pick, I just think Hooker could be special.

Originally posted by Lobo49er:
Really?

Yes, i'm legit curious.

Originally posted by genus49:

Originally posted by Lobo49er:
Really?

Yes, i'm legit curious.

Would you mind first looking through this thread, and watching the clips, and discussion, so I don't have to do all that for ya? lol. There's numerous articles, arguments, and experts going over this. That's why I asked "really" lol I thought you were joking.

I don't see Lynch taking Allen at #2...not with his balky shoulder. Saleh can field a starting front 5 now...but I'd think he'd want to draft one of the big DT's to grow with AA and Buck...in fact, I'm pretty sure he will. By taking Hooker early, there are a number of big, tough DL that'll be available in rds 2-4. I said the players after Hooker were in no particular order...because none of us really know how the draft will unfurl. I believe our secondary needs another big DB...and most definitely a deep FS. Who would you advocate Lynch drafts to fill those roles? Those roles are just as important as another DL...in my proposal, they get that and beef up the secondary. I fail to see what's wrong with that.

I'm on board for Hooker at #2, but anyone have any thoughts on what happens to Erik Reid? To the bench? SS?

Originally posted by boooby:

I'm on board for Hooker at #2, but anyone have any thoughts on what happens to Erik Reid? To the bench? SS?

I'd see him and Tartt fight it out for SS.