2017 NFL Mock Draft: New Regimes Create New Problems

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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

7. San Diego Chargers

7. player. 13. The San Diego Chargers seem to have something special brewing on defense. Joey Bosa, Casey Heyward and Jatavis Brown all arrived in 2016. All became instant playmakers for that unit. Provided they can retain Melvin Ingram and add one or two more playmakers, this could become one of the best defenses in football. One area they’ve been hurting somewhat is the safety position, having let Eric Weddle walk in free agency. <p>Recent news just hit that Ohio State standout Malik Hooker was declaring for the draft. This is major news considering how strong the 2017 safety class already is. Hooker should shoot to the top of most boards thanks to his combination of speed, intelligence and ball skills. He’s a pure free safety who knows where the ball is going and how to go get it. Some have compared him to Ed Reed. That may be premature but the skill sets are almost identical. </p>. S. Ohio State. Malik Hooker

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