The NFL Scouting Combine won't include one of the elite prospects for the 2017 NFL Draft.
Ohio State safety Malik Hooker won't be able to participate in the annual event due to core muscle and labrum (hip) surgeries, a source informed of his health told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Draft-centric website WalterFootball and Bleacher Report's Matt Miller first reported the news. Hooker was told he would be ready for training camp, per Rapoport.
The combine provides NFL clubs with a chance to evaluate more than 300 draft prospects. The combine includes physical testing, medical exams and interviews. Rapoport reports Hooker will attend the combine, but he'll miss the workout portion of the event. Hooker is ranked the No. 2 player available in the draft by NFL.com analyst Daniel Jeremiah.
Hooker entered the draft as an underclassman after only one season as a starter for the Buckeyes.
Another top prospect, Western Michigan WR Corey Davis, might not participate in the combine, as well. Davis suffered an ankle injury while training.
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