Checking off the MMCNB boxes: Byard is a star, Ryan may be one of the best slot CB in the game and the most versatile CB in the game, Vaccaro makes splashes as a true SS with athleticism, Jackson has had a few hiccups but has been solid for the most part, and Malcolm Butler hasn’t been beaten all preseason.
Why Hooker over everyone else? Well, aside from the fact that he is a draft pick and is running with the first team defense in some looks, he just seems to be more fluid than most rookie DBs when they enter the NFL.
Hooker had a pick last week and flashes against the Philadelphia Eagles in that game. I expect that he will continue to show up, especially in the Titans pass rush package which features a lot of DBs and Evans playing 3-tech.
Sims is a veteran with size that has held up at a decent level when it mattered most and things like that will keep you in the NFL for a long time.
Dane Cruikshank and Tye Smith round out the depth chart and they have looked good on occasion. Smith had a great final week of the preseason while Cruikshank has shined as a special teamer in the past.