Amani Hooker
Amani Hooker has probably the most gain or lose in the NFL Combine this year out of the four invited Iowa football players mostly because he plays a position that has become in vogue over the past few seasons, the dime-backer role.
How Hooker measures up in terms of size and weight and tests will go along ways in determining his draft stock. Expectations are that he lacks straight-line speed and superb athleticism (now doesn’t that sound like a familiar concern with former Iowa football players Desmond King and Josh Jackson).
If he runs well and tests well, this could quite possibly help him sneak into the bottom half of the second round. His tape is outstanding so having a strong performance would help eliminate many of the questions scouts have about him. As of right now, there are little concerns about his intangibles so his athleticism is what will ultimately be the most judged piece about Hooker at the combine.
Here’s what Jon Ledyard had to say in an article on The Draft Network.
"Hooker lacks some of the traits needed to play in this area, including size, but he is physical and extremely smart, which could make him an ideal middle zone dime defender in the NFL. For a guy that it is hard to find a defensive role for at the next level, zone-heavy teams may dub him a pseudo linebacker and let him patrol the middle of the field."
A poor day though (a la Desmond King), could cause Hooker to drop to the fourth round or even lower.
Defensive backs do not test until Monday, March 4th.