NFL Pro Bowl: First-Timer Projections For All 32 Teams

Indianapolis Colts

Think about this. Malik Hooker was tied for the team lead in 2017, as a rookie, with three interceptions. Not bad right? Here’s the kicker. Hooker played in just seven games. So just try to imagine what he would’ve done if he’d lasted a full slate of games. The young safety was earned comparisons to Ed Reed coming out of Ohio State. That’s how much of a freakish ballhawk he can be. The problem was and continues to be his health. Can he stay on the field?

It’s uncertain how the coming change to a 4-3 alignment will affect him. If the Colts continue to give him some freedom on the back end, there is no question his elite instincts will keep leading to big plays. His size, range, and great hands will serve him well. If Andrew Luck does his part and gets this team back to winning? That will only help Hooker’s prospects to make the cut. This one is less about skill and more about luck.