Malik Hooker's draft stock may have taken a hit a the former Buckeye ballhawk will be out for 4-6 months after undergoing hernia and labrum surgeries. Walter Football first reported the news.
Bleacher Report draft analyst Matt Miller confirmed the injury, adding Hooker played through the injuries late in the season and will miss the combine:
Malik Hooker had surgery Tuesday on a torn labrum and a hernia that he played through late this season. He will miss the Combine.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 1, 2017
Pretty impressive Hooker played through those injuries against Michigan and Clemson and still looked like a top 10 player.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) February 1, 2017
Before the injuries, Hooker was considered by many as the top safety in the NFL Draft and was a projected first-round pick after a breakout season in 2016. While the injuries are not expected to threaten his rookie season, his inability to participate in the NFL Scouting Combine, Ohio State's pro day or individual team workouts could hurt his draft stock.
PS I Already Had My Surgery And I'm Walking Already! Trust The Process
— Malik Hooker (@MalikHooker24) February 1, 2017
