2017 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper sends Hooker to Washington

One more mock draft and it’s all over for this year(until the 2018 Mock Draft comes out on Monday...) The final one of the year comes from the Mock Daddy(ugh) of them all, Mel Kiper, Jr. His E$PN IN$IDER article has the Redskins going defense and taking Ohio State free safety Malik Hooker at #17.

Malik Hooker, S, Ohio State

The Redskins are moving Su'a Cravens, last year's second-round pick, to safety, but he's an in-the-box guy. They still need a center fielder, and Hooker is a ball hawk. He had seven interceptions -- three for touchdowns -- in his lone season as a starter.

Kiper also had the Redskins taking Hooker in his last two mock drafts, noting his injury concerns.

He could drop a little bit; he had surgery in January to repair sports hernias and a torn labrum in his hip. But he'd be a great center-fielder-type safety for the Redskins.

The Redskins pass on two inside linebackers(Reuben Foster, Jarrad Davis) that they are interested in, along with some talent on offense. The Redskins defense needs help everywhere, and has been missing a real free safety since Sean Taylor’s death. Hooker has question marks with health, and his limited experience in college which could cause the Redskins to wait until later in the draft to address the position.

6 more hours until the Redskins pick....