Amani Hooker NFL Draft 2019: Scouting Report for Tennessee Titans' Pick

STRENGTHS

—Starter at free safety, strong safety and also a hybrid safety spot in 2018 that saw him work as an extra linebacker at times.

—2018 Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year with four INTs, 3.5 TFLs and seven passes broken up.

—Versatility is a key to his game; can line up at any of the safety positions and would excel in the box or hovering in the middle of the field taking away underneath and seam routes.

—Able to set the edge in the run game with the play strength and bulk (5'11", 210 lbs) to get the angle on blockers.

—Fast processor with ideal awareness and instincts; looks to be a well-developed safety with a quick trigger on read-and-react plays.

—Had three interceptions in 2018 where he showed hands off in his only full season of starts.

WEAKNESSES

—Missed three games in 2017 with a bruised knee.

—Has limited experience at single-high safety and doesn't project well there; slow to turn to the ball and doesn't play the pass behind him well.

—Frequently missed tackles from looking to run through the ball instead of wrapping up.

—Gave up too much ground in man coverage that allowed receivers to convert yards after catch.

—Doesn't find the ball well when targeted and saw most of his on-ball production on easy catches; has to do a better job punching the ball away from receivers.

Amani Hooker Highlights

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OVERALL

Hooker has a ton of upside at the safety position and could be an instant starter for teams in need of a strong safety with plus coverage skills and good in-the-box toughness. He's versatile enough to hang in man coverage and, at 20 years old, his best football is likely ahead of him.

GRADE: 6.30 (ROUND 3—ROOKIE IMPACT)

PRO COMPARISON: Kenny Vaccaro