Denver Broncos: 5 free agents to sign before the 2021 NFL Draft

5. Malik Hooker, S

Although the Denver Broncos got Justin Simmons back on a four-year deal and proceeded to re-sign Kareem Jackson, it would still be interesting to see the team go after Malik Hooker for some depth on the back end of the defense.

Hooker, a former first-round pick out of Ohio State, has tremendous range and ball skills at safety and as many times as we’ve seen the Broncos have to go into “next man up” mode, why not add a player like this who could be a high-upside proposition?

Hooker may be holding out for a job where he can get more playing time, but in Denver, he could easily work in Vic Fangio’s two-high safety looks with Kareem Jackson roaming around as a dime linebacker or nickel corner.

Versatility is key in Vic Fangio’s defense and while Hooker is pretty strictly a deep safety, the Broncos also need to prioritize guys who can help create turnovers.

Hooker can do exactly that.

He has seven interceptions and a pair of fumble recoveries in 36 career games.

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While injuries have limited him, Hooker is a worthwhile gamble if you can get him for the right price.