I can't imagine Hooker not starting. Trey Creamer is a sleeper right now but may burst on the scene if he gets the chance. Craddieth will likely get on the field and will be a gamer as soon as he does. Reload is a good word for our secondary these days!
Hooker was the top safety coming out of the '17 season. Thus, if he continues to work hard and grow into a leadership role (as I'm sure Phil would expect him to) ... then I would look at Amani as being a top guy to beat at safety. The wild thing is that Amani played at both FS and SS in '17 - thus, Phil has a lot of flexibility about who to play.
The most fascinating question will be who will be the other top guy at safety. Geno Stone could easily be viewed as a top up-and-comer. Gervase developed into a rock solid performer in '17 ... but he'll need to continue to elevate his game in order to remain in the convo. Lastly, a healthy Snyder has both the tangibles and intangibles to solidly be in the convo to be a top safety. If you were to ask me today ... I'd probably project that our starting safeties in '17 would be Hooker and Snyder (assuming a healthy Snyder).
Given the need for depth AND given the fact that both Snyder and Gervase will graduate after the '18 season ... I agree that Craddieth will get to see the field. However, I foresee is primary path to field is through special teams and sub-packages (in that order).
The most interesting question will be our corner situation in '18. We'll have talent ... but the incumbents don't necessarily have a huge lead on the rest of the competition. The knee-jerk projection is to assume that our top two guys will be Rugamba and Hankins in '18 ... however, each of the aforementioned duo have a lot to prove in order to earn the tag as starting Hawkeye corner.
I know that Harrell got a look at WR last year - but I believe I've heard that he's subsequently moved back to DB. I don't know what to believe about his positioning ... but I do know that he's a guy who is built like a RB (read - short but quite strong) ... but he has pretty elite speed. Given Phil's pattern with "speed guys" ... he usually tries to get them worked in at corners first ... because it is ideal if we can have a DB who can run with fast WRs. Boswell is another guy who is reputed to have higher end speed.
Other guys in the mix will be Creamer, Turner, Roberts, Johnson, and Brents. I know some folks think that Brents is slated to see action at safety ... however, he seems to better fit the mold that Phil likes of long-and-lean DBs who he plays at corner (guys like Jackson, Mabin, and Hyde).
Harrell, Creamer, and Roberts are guys with pretty nice resumes at the skills positions on O too ... so I wouldn't be surprised if those guys get looks on O (if the need arises).
Anyhow, I agree with the assessment that the Hawks have some pretty intriguing talent at DB. Here's hoping that they can live up to some of that potential in '18!
