INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts selected Ohio State safety Malik Hooker with the No. 15 overall pick during the first round of the NFL Draft Thursday night.
Last season in the Big Ten conference, Hooker had seven interceptions and 74 tackles.
Colts Head Coach Chuck Pagano said choosing Hooker was an “easy pick.”
"Hooker is a rare talent, he was the top guy on our board,” said Pagano.
He said Hooker won't be on the field most likely until training camp due to his past groin and hip surgeries.
Overall, Pagano said his new pick will fit right in with the team.
"Hooker is genuine and real, willing, good communicator. Ready to work, has some swagger,” he said.
Hooker is the highest draft pick by the Colts since Andrew Luck went No. 1 in 2012. He is the highest defensive player drafted by the Colts since Dwight Freeney in 2002.
Indy has six more draft picks to make over the two days.
With the 15th overall pick, the @Colts select @OhioStateFB S @MalikHooker24!#NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/MkjRoS5CJV
— NFL (@NFL) April 28, 2017
Welcome to Indy @MalikHooker24 #gocolts #gobucks
— Jack Mewhort (@jackmewhort) April 28, 2017
Alright alright ? Welcome to the DB fam @MalikHooker24 !! Fellow Big Ten ?? https://t.co/srWYwj13iX
— Vontae Davis (@vontaedavis) April 28, 2017
