The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL season after an impressive showing in the offseason, including making a splash with the George Pickens trade and the highly-touted haul in the NFL Draft.
However, there are still questions about the team's plans for the defensive backfield.
Star cornerback Trevon Diggs is coming off another season-ending knee injury, third-round pick Shavon Revel is returning from a torn ACL that ended his college career, and there are concerns about the team's depth.
MORE:NFL analyst has high praise for Cowboys' one particular offensive unit
While the secondary is littered with big names like Diggs and DaRon Bland, who is in a contract year, Malik Hooker has quietly flown under the radar despite being a starting safety since 2022.
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the Houston Texans.
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker celebrates with teammates after making an interception against the Houston Texans. / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
While Hooker has flown under the radar, he has been producing. In fact, he has been ranked inside of the top 10 or top 20 in key categories, according to PFF.
That is why when PFF's Jonathon Macri took a look at the "most underrated player" for all 32 teams, Hooker was tabbed as the man in Big D.
MORE:Cowboys 2025 ticket demand proves Dallas is undeniably America's Team
"Hooker took over as a starting safety in 2022 and never looked back, playing nearly 3,000 defensive snaps over that span," Macri wrote. "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.
"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."
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker during training camp at the River Ridge Fields.
Dallas Cowboys safety Malik Hooker during training camp at the River Ridge Fields. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Last season, Hooker recorded 81 tackles, three tackles for a loss, two interceptions, and five passes defensed for the Cowboys. He has been a consistent force in the defensive backfield and it will be interesting to see how he continues to excel in Eberflus' system.
While he may be one of the best-kept secrets in the NFL, PFF has officially taken notice.
—Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI—
Dallas Cowboys record prediction 2025: Picking each game
Dallas Cowboys schedule 2025: Ranking the 7 must-see games
NFC East predictions 2025: Where will Cowboys finish in division?
Cowboys 2025 TV schedule: Dates, times, & channels for NFL regular season
Ex-NFL QB pretends Cowboys are no longer America's Team, but that his old team is