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Tennessee Titans: Amani Hooker graded as 1 of best NFL rookies in Week 3

By Michael Moraitis

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 25: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against Amani Hooker #37 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half of a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE - AUGUST 25: Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against Amani Hooker #37 of the Tennessee Titans during the first half of a preseason game at Nissan Stadium on August 25, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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Tennessee Titans defensive back Amani Hooker had a great Preseason Week 3, and he’s receiving some recognition for it by NFL.com.

It has been quite the strong preseason for Tennessee Titans defensive back, Amani Hooker, and the Iowa product continued that on Sunday night against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Hooker totaled three tackles (two solo), one pass defended and one interception in his third preseason game. The interception in particular was a beaut, as Hooker had to dive in order to reel the errant throw from Mason Rudolph in.

Take a look.

For his efforts, we named Hooker as the Titans Player of the Game against the Steelers.

After his impressive showing, NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks gave Hooker a grade of “B+”, which ties him for the fifth-highest grade among rookies who played in Preseason Week 3 in the NFL.

Here’s some of what Brooks had to say about Hooker, which amounted to heaping a ton of praise on the former Hawkeye.

"As a slot defender, Hooker displays the IQ, awareness and quickness to be an effective nickel corner. Moreover, he is the rangy center fielder that every defensive coordinator covets. That said, he needs to continue to improve as a hitter/tackler, but the rookie has been a solid addition to the secondary as a developmental player."

Hooker was taken in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and posted the highest slot coverage grade in the FBS last season, according to Pro Football Focus.

He also has the versatility to play at safety, which is where he’s listed on the Titans’ unofficial depth chart. Hooker will likely see time at both positions during his rookie season.

To get a player with that kind versatility and history in slot coverage, which is becoming more and more important in today’s NFL, is a steal. General manager Jon Robinson looks to have done well with this pick.

Along with Logan Ryan, the Titans are set at slot corner this season and have one of the deepest secondaries overall in the NFL. And, in the event that the veteran Ryan leaves in free agency after the season, Tennessee might already be set with Hooker as his heir apparent.

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