Malik Hooker was a part of a revamping of the safety position by the Dallas Cowboys a season ago. After being brought along slowly due to coming off of an Achilles injury, Hooker became a vital part of the Cowboys' Big Nickel package that features three safeties and tied his second-highest tackle total with 44.

Pro Football Focus thinks Hooker's play has reached a new plateau. When listing possible first-time All-Pro candidates for this season, Hooker was named as one of the three safeties that fit that description.

Trevor Sikkema on Hooker:

"Hooker will be a long shot for an All-Pro spot, but he deserves some recognition for how well he’s playing. He has a 76.0 overall grade (prior to Week 12) thanks to a 75.7 coverage grade. He's allowed only four receptions for 23 yards on the season."

Talk about a surprising take. Not because Hooker isn't a good player, but when mentioning the league's best safeties, his name isn't one anyone will likely hear.

Hooker has continued the momentum of his efforts last season to have a productive 2022 campaign so far. The former first-round pick has amassed 41 tackles (29 solo) and an interception in 10 games with five starts.

The Cowboys have needed a solid player at the free safety spot for as long as anyone can remember. Hooker possesses the skills the play center field and he also isn't afraid to give support in the run game.

Hooker has had one ailment throughout his career, injuries. He racked up seven interceptions over his first three seasons. Knee, foot, hamstring, and Achilles issues got in the way, not allowing Hooker to sustain his high-level play consistently.

Thankfully for Hooker and the Cowboys, he hasn't had to deal with injuries at that level since arriving in Dallas. That's led to Hooker playing 81% of the Cowboys' defensive snaps this season, and it's paying off as career highs in several categories are all but certain.

Hooker's name may not top anyone's list of NFL safeties, but he's quietly one of the better ones.

Feature image via Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

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