Tennessee Titans: Gophers WR Tyler Johnson praises Amani Hooker

Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Tyler Johnson praised Tennessee Titans defensive back, Amani Hooker.

Almost nobody knows a player better than someone who has gone up against them, so Minnesota Golden Gophers wide receiver Tyler Johnson knows Tennessee Titans defensive back Amani Hooker well.

The Titans made Hooker their fourth-round pick (116th overall) out of Iowa during the 2019 NFL Draft, and there is a lot to be excited about with the 21-year-old.

Hooker and Johnson matched up while Hooker played at Iowa. According to Johnson, Hooker was “one of the tougher guys” he has ever played against, per Austin Gayle of Pro Football Focus.

Johnson has been a great player in his own right for the Gophers. The senior totaled 76 catches for 1,169 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, only adding more credibility to his comments about Hooker.

The newest Titans defensive back certainly flashed some promise in his final collegiate season. Hooker was graded as the best slot corner in the FBS, with an 88.5 overall mark.

In 25 career games with Iowa, Hooker compiled 125 total tackles, six interceptions (one returned for touchdown) and nine passes defended. As a junior alone, Hooker finished with 65 total tackles (3.5 for loss), four picks and seven passes defended.

And, with his capability to play safety as well, Hooker’s versatility is valuable and only adds to the intrigue of his first season with the Titans.

Hooker’s rookie season figures to be spent mostly in the slot, although he has veteran corner Logan Ryan standing in his way. Ryan is in the final year of his three-year, $30 million contract, and it is quite possible that Hooker is being groomed as Ryan’s heir apparent for 2020.

But we have an entire season before that even needs to be discussed. Until then, Hooker can take his time developing around great players like Ryan, and he’ll serve as depth in what is a supremely talented Titans secondary.