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Packers 2019 Draft: Safety rankings, potential options in each round

By Ryan Sanville

DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 20: Juan Thornhill #21 and Brenton Nelson #28 of the Virginia Cavaliers tackles T.J. Rahming #3 of the Duke Blue Devils after a catch during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia won 28-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - OCTOBER 20: Juan Thornhill #21 and Brenton Nelson #28 of the Virginia Cavaliers tackles T.J. Rahming #3 of the Duke Blue Devils after a catch during their game at Wallace Wade Stadium on October 20, 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. Virginia won 28-14. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Defensive back Amani Hooker #27 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after an interception during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 07: Defensive back Amani Hooker #27 of the Iowa Hawkeyes celebrates after an interception during the first quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini on October 7, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

Day 2 option

Amani Hooker, Iowa (Jr.) (6-foot, 210 pounds)

First and foremost, I want to say that I am a huge fan of Amani Hooker. He is a player that I would be very happy to see in a Packers uniform. Oddly enough, he reminds me a lot of his Hawkeye brethren, Micah Hyde.

Hooker could be gone quickly on Day 2 and is certainly in play when the Packers make their second-round selection at pick 44.

Like the aforementioned Juan Thornill, Hooker is another guy that can play all over the field (notice a trend?), and his versatility sets him apart from many other safeties in this draft. He can line up 10-plus yards off the ball at safety, play up in the box in a linebacker/safety hybrid role, as well as cover in the slot.

Not only is Hooker effective playing around the line of scrimmage because of his physicality and tackling ability, but he also excels playing in press man coverage in the slot. His mix of physicality and quick feet help him to jam the receiver at the line of scrimmage and throw off their route from the start.

It’s a given that Hooker will be one of the hardest playing guys on the field at all times. He will never give up on a play, he fights off blockers relentlessly and successfully, and he takes every opportunity to clean up a ball carrier that hasn’t quite gone down yet. Hooker brings that mean attitude you love to see on the defensive side of the ball.

Another major plus regarding Hooker is the fact he will only be 20 years old at the time of the NFL Draft. Whoever drafts Hooker gets a young, NFL-ready player, who they can develop and mold into a premier safety in this league.

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