Malik Hooker Injury: Updates on 2017 NFL Draft Prospect's Labrum, Hernia Surgery

Ohio State safety Malik Hooker had surgery Tuesday to repair a torn labrum and a hernia he suffered this season, according to Matt Miller of Bleacher Report. 

More to follow.

---

Updates on Hooker's Recovery

Wednesday, Feb. 1

Hooker's injuries will force him to miss the NFL Scouting Combine. Ian Rapoport added more details on his recovery:

Hooker is considered the No. 7 prospect in the 2017 NFL draft by Miller, who doesn't think the injury will hurt Hooker's status among NFL teams:

Hooker was excellent in 2016, recording 74 tackles (5.5 for loss), seven interceptions (tied for the second most in the nation) and four passes defensed. He helped comprise arguably the best secondary in the nation, helping lead Ohio State to the College Football Playoff.

He projects as a rangy, game-changing free safety at the next level. Lance Zierlein of NFL.com offered the following scouting report on Hooker: "He's the ultimate lurker. His instincts are always bringing him to the football and when he gets there he has the ball skills to take it away. His lack of game experience and issues with tackle consistency will likely show themselves early in his career, but his ability to flip the field is worthy of an aggressive projection. He has the talent to be a high-impact starter for years in the NFL."

Missing out on the combine and the chance to work out with teams more than likely may hurt Hooker's stock a bit. But given the explosive impact he had for Ohio State in 2016, it's hard to imagine teams not jumping at the opportunity to add a player with his upside early on in the draft.