Former Ohio State safety Malik Hooker drafted No. 15 overall by Indianapolis Colts

It took longer than most expected, but Malik Hooker is off the board.

The Indianapolis Colts selected the former Ohio State safety No. 15 overall in the 2017 NFL draft. He was four picks after fellow former Buckeye DB Marshon Lattimore, who went No. 11 overall to the New Orleans Saints.

Hooker wouldn’t have been anywhere near the first round if not for his breakout 2016 season. The redshirt sophomore was a unanimous first-team All-American after finishing third in the country with seven interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

The former Buckeye safety was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist after leading one of the top pass defenses in the country. Hooker’s 74 tackles were also third on the team.

The first-year starter was one of six Ohio State defensive backs to declare early in the last two years. He was the third Buckeye defensive back to be selected in the first round in the last two years.

As it was in 2016, it’s expected to be a busy weekend for the Buckeyes.