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Despite being one of the top names this draft cycle, Ohio State safety Malik Hooker has decided to forego attending the official NFL Draft in Philadelphia, according to Pro Football Talk. Instead, the Buckeye will watch the annual event surrounded by his family and friends.
Hooker has been on the sidelines most of his path to the draft following surgery on his shoulder just after the Fiesta Bowl. He wasn’t able to compete in the workout or position drills at either the NFL Combine or Ohio State’s Pro Day, but that hasn’t stopped teams from showing serious interest. The safety is still considered a Top 10 prospect, especially after stating at the combine he expects to be back on the field for rookie mini-camp.
Skipping the draft has become a growing trend over the past few years, with the 2015 overall No. 1 and 2 picks (Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota) both opting to skip the traditional event and accept their fate remotely. Other players have started following suit, and are choosing to enjoy the moment with the people closest to them, rather than walking across the stage to shake NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s hand or give him a hug.