03-26-2017, 11:19 PM
If he's there at #9, I would take OSU free safety Malik Hooker. Here is my reasoning:
He is a worthy successor to Reggie Nelson. If 2016 proved anything, it proved the Cincinnati defense is far less effective without an outstanding free safety.
Malik Hooker's coverage skills downfield will cause opposing quarterbacks to hold onto the ball longer, giving the Bengals' front four more sack opportunities especially on third and long. People sometimes tend to forget to factor coverage sacks into the equation. If the front four can pressure the quarterback then linebackers can cover tight ends and running backs.
A better free safety like Malik Hooker allows the strong safety more options because he knows over the top coverage will be there.
Finally, the man is a Death Star tractor beam for footballs.
He is a worthy successor to Reggie Nelson. If 2016 proved anything, it proved the Cincinnati defense is far less effective without an outstanding free safety.
Malik Hooker's coverage skills downfield will cause opposing quarterbacks to hold onto the ball longer, giving the Bengals' front four more sack opportunities especially on third and long. People sometimes tend to forget to factor coverage sacks into the equation. If the front four can pressure the quarterback then linebackers can cover tight ends and running backs.
A better free safety like Malik Hooker allows the strong safety more options because he knows over the top coverage will be there.
Finally, the man is a Death Star tractor beam for footballs.
![[Image: 4CV0TeR.png]](https://i.imgur.com/4CV0TeR.png)
