2017 NFL Draft: Week 12 Prospect Stock Report

Stock Down: Defense

Malik Hooker (FS – Ohio State): Malik Hooker has played extremely well this season against the pass, however his ability to slow down the run was exploited by Michigan State. There were several plays in which he was caught out of position and the Spartans, particularly running back L.J. Scott, took advantage.

In the play below, Ohio State calls a cornerback blitz and forces Hooker to cover the receiver to the left of the offensive formation. Michigan State runs the ball and Hooker is unable to get back into position to make the stop. Scott bursts through the defense and gains 61 yards on the play.

It wasn’t a terrible game for Hooker, but it is one that will force NFL scouts to go back and see if his awareness and range against the run is a consistent issue. With Michigan potentially starting a backup quarterback, Hooker will have an opportunity to improve his grade against the run this weekend.

Takkarist McKinley (DE – UCLA): Like Hooker, it’s widely known that Takkarist McKinley is a much better defender in passing situations than he is against the run. His struggles versus the ground game once again showed up against USC.

McKinley has an non-stop motor as he attempts to chase down the QB, however opposing offenses are starting to take advantage of this. Freshman Sam Darnold, who is deceptively mobile for a 6-foot-4, 225-pound QB, had plenty of success running the read option to McKinley’s side of the field.

McKinley’s over aggressiveness has gotten the best of him at times this season, and the play above is an example why. While he once again proved he’s one of the best pure pass-rushing edge defenders available in the 2017 NFL Draft by getting the better of USC tackles Chad Wheeler and Zach Banner, he hasn’t proven to be anything more than a third-down outside linebacker at the next level.