2017 NFL mock draft: FanSided experts pick for their teams

15. The Saints have bigger needs than safety. They badly need an EDGE rusher, and if they don’t land Malcolm Butler will need cornerback help. With Haason Reddick and Derek Barnett still on the board, we were tempted to think need-first. <p>But Hooker is simply the best player available in this scenario. He’s easily a top-10 talent, whereas Barnett at 11 could be a reach. Reddick was the most serious competition for Hooker here. Ultimately the Saints land a ball-hawking FS who should be an immediate upgrade over the disappointing Jairus Byrd. The fastest way to improve this defense is to generate turnovers, and that’s what Hooker does. He isn’t the fastest prospect in the draft and needs to work on his technique against the run. But he has elite instincts and can read quarterbacks as well as anyone in the league. He has great hands and tracks the ball like a receiver. He’ll be the robber-type deep safety that the Saints haven’t had since Darren Sharper. He’s the sort of talent that can change a defense, and regardless of need, the Saints need talent on their defense.</p> <p>Trading down would also be a great option for the Saints, who have taken a quantity-over-quality approach to this offseason. We wouldn’t be surprised to see them take the same approach to the draft. But if Hooker does somehow fall to them, this would be a great pickup.</p>. FS. Ohio State. Malik Hooker. 11. player