New Orleans Saints: Breaking down the Colts’ key defensive players

Malik Hooker

Unlike some other safeties to get drafted highly over the last couple of years, for example, Jamal Adams and Derwin James, who are very versatile, Hooker is a typical free safety as he has great range and ball skills- think Earl Thomas rather than Kam Chancellor for example.

In the 2017 pre-draft process Mike Mayock compared him to Ed Reed, likely because he has the similar high-level instincts and ability to capitalize on those instincts that Reed had. Hooker has a lot of experience playing basketball, which is evident when watching him play.

The Colts have weak CB’s, so the Saints should look to target the Colts on the outside rather than over the middle.

This play epitomizes Malik Hooker.

Hooker has his eyes on Rivers all the way, diagnosing that he’s about to throw it to Keenan Allen in the middle of the end zone. Allen seems wide open so Rivers throws it to him, failing to take into account Hooker’s speed.

Hooker jumps in front of the pass and makes a spectacular one-handed catch.

If you are going to attack Hooker, the best way to do so is with double moves, which could take advantage of his propensity to react decisively- I.e use his strength against him.