2017 NFL Draft: Week 2 Prospect Stock Report
Stock Up: Defense
Malik Hooker (FS – Ohio State): Not many schools can replace the likes of safeties Vonn Bell and Tyvis Powell overnight, but Ohio State has done just that. Damon Webb and Malik Hooker have stepped up and taken over right where Bell and Powell left off.
Hooker is only a redshirt sophomore, however he’s already creating a name for himself. After intercepting two passes and leading the team in tackles in his first career start versus Bowling Green, he followed up with another interception against Tulsa. This time around, Hooker finished the play by returning the ball for a score.
Hooker has displayed very good awareness in his first two starts against both the pass and the run. If he can continue to play at a high level, he may follow in former teammate Eli Apple’s footsteps and declare for the NFL Draft as a redshirt sophomore.
Jordan Sterns (FS – Oklahoma State): Oklahoma State may have been upset by Central Michigan, but the score could have been a lot more one-sided if not for the play of safety Jordan Sterns in the secondary.
Sterns broke up three Cooper Rush passes in the first half, two of which occurred in the red zone. He did a good job closing on the receiver and making a play on the ball.
The secondary for the Cowboys fell apart in the second half, however Sterns was solid throughout. The Big 12 schedule will be a test for the secondary on a weekly basis, so Sterns will need to show continued improvement to secure his spot in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Teez Tabor (CB – Florida): After missing the season opener against Massachusetts due to a suspension, Teez Tabor made his season debut against Kentucky. A potential first-round pick, Tabor made an immediate impact for the Gators.
The play of the game came on a wide receiver screen in which Tabor jumped the route and beat a blocker to the point of attack on his way to picking off the pass. Tabor will face much tougher competition in SEC play than Kentucky, however his return to the field couldn’t have gone much better.
Florida’s top CB last season, Vernon Hargreaves III, was selected 11th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. Tabor isn’t expected to be selected that early, however he will be in the running for a first-round pick.
Kai Nacua (FS – BYU): The Holy War between Brigham Young and Utah was a very sloppy game for both offenses as the schools combined to turn the ball over nine times. While the offensive units played poorly, some of the credit belongs to both defenses. The standout was BYU safety Kai Nacua.
Sure Nacua was ejected from the game on a questionable targeting call, but his impact was felt long before he left. Unfortunately for the Cougars, Nacua’s backup was ejected on the very next play after another targeting call. Take a look at the hit delivered by Nacua and determine for yourself whether or not he should have been ejected.
Nacua tied the school record with six interceptions a season ago, and already has three this season. Unlike some safeties who are purely center fielders in the secondary, Nacua isn’t afraid to initiate contact and provide support against the run.
It’s unlikely Nacua will be selected as early as teammate Bronson Kaufusi (third round) was last season, however Nacua’s play warrants a selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.
Next: Stock Down: Offense