PLAYER PROFILE: Amani Hooker, DB, Iowa

Photo Credit: Douglas DeFelice (USA Today Sports)

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After being a Mr. Football finalist in Minnesota, Amani Hooker made a production career for himself at Iowa, contributing immediately as a true freshman and ending up as the Big Ten’s Defensive Back of the Year as a junior. Hooker registered six interceptions over the past two seasons, playing all over the field in a safety/linebacker hybrid role. His strong junior season coupled with his above-average combine should have Hooker rising.

Size

5-11, 210 pounds

Combine notables

40-yard dash: 4.48 seconds
Bench: 14 reps (T5th worst at position)
Vertical: 37 inches (5th at position)
Broad jump: 123 inches
3-cone drill: 6.81 seconds (2nd at position)
20-yard shuttle: 4.1 seconds (4th at position)

What the analysts say

“Hybrid safety with an advanced feel for play design and recognition of where the ball is going and how to play it. He could thrive in a “robber” role or as a big nickel where he can match up against pass-catching tight ends. He’s not twitchy, fast or fluid and has some limitations in man coverage; however, he has the size, instincts and ball skills to become a plus starter, but needs to find his perfect scheme fit.” — Lance Zierlein, NFL.com

“Amani Hooker projects favorably as a modern age Strong Safety. While Hooker lacks the initial burst and range to play in single high, he’s strong in Cover-2 and in shallow zones thanks to terrific football IQ, clean footwork for sudden transitions and good ball skills. Effective block shedding from the slot to blow up screens and impact the run. Hooker should be a starter who can be a true asset both vs. the run and pass. Should transition quickly thanks to football IQ.” — Kyle Crabbs, The Draft Network

What PFF says

-6th in passer rating against in slot coverage
-103rd in cover snaps/target
-49th in tackling efficiency

Chart via Pro Football Focus Draft Guide

CHECK OUT THE REST OF THE
ZONE COVERAGE DRAFT GUIDE

TOP 40 PLAYERS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS NEEDS & TARGETS
POSITIONAL TOP 5 RANKINGS & VIDEO BREAKDOWNS
MINNESOTA VIKINGS DRAFT TRENDS
INMAN: NFC NORTH WORST CASE DRAFT SCENARIOS
SENIOR BOWL CENTRAL (PODCASTS, VIDEOS, ARTICLES)
INMAN’S MOCK DRAFT COLLECTION

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