NFL writer names Cowboys 14-interception veteran team's most underrated player

The Dallas Cowboys' 2024 season was underwhelming, especially after starting quarterback Dak Prescott was lost for the last nine games due to hamstring surgery.

Dallas needs to bounce back this season under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer, but they can only do that if Prescott stays healthy and the defense shuts down the opposing offense.

One way the defense can get after the other team's quarterback is by getting turnovers, and Jonathon Macri from Pro Football Focus thinks Cowboys safety Malik Hooker is the most underrated player on the team.

"Hooker took over as a starting safety in 2022 and never looked back, playing nearly 3,000 defensive snaps over that span. He has earned a top-10 PFF run-defense grade (89.3) and a top-20 PFF overall grade (78.8) at the position since 2022," Macri wrote. "Hooker is once again set to be the Cowboys' reliable deep safety in Matt Eberflus’ defense in 2025 and should continue to provide a solid return on the team’s investment in him.

Hooker has been in the NFL for eight seasons, spending the first four with the Indianapolis Colts and the last four with the Cowboys.

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In 17 games last season Hooker had two interceptions givng him 14 for his career.

The Cowboys' defense should be able to force turnovers this season, which could put the Dallas offense in great field position.

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