Former Tennessee football quarterback, Hendon Hooker, has been doing a spectacular job increasing his draft stock lately.
Hooker had one of the best seasons of all time last year, throwing for over 3,100 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also led Tennessee football to their first victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in over 15 years. There is no shortage of love for Hendon Hooker in the city of Knoxville, and all eyes will be on the QB come draft day.
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker has met extensively with the Raiders, Panthers, Giants, Saints, and Cowboys during the pre-draft process, per source.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 21, 2023
The dual-threat talent is expected be healthy and ready for training camp after suffering a torn ACL in Nov.
Although Hooker is recovering from a knee injury, many NFL teams and scouts believe that he is recovering at a rapid pace, and will return even better than ever before.
According to NFL Analyst Jordan Schultz on Twitter:
"“Hendon Hooker will not throw in Indy during the Scouting Combine, sources tell @theScore. One of the top-rated QBs in the draft, Hooker is ahead of schedule recovery-wise coming off a torn ACL – he had surgery Dec. 13. Hooker earned SEC OPOY with 32 total TDs and just 2 INTs.”"
While it’s easy to understand that the complexity of his injury, in addition to his age may become a factor, people are seeming to forget that before his injury he was by far the best player in all of college football…
Hendon Hooker was a magician pic.twitter.com/3MOG5Z6ILm
— More Important Issues (@More_Issues) February 8, 2023
According to NFL analyst Daniel Jeremiah:
"“Hooker is an ultra-productive QB with size, accuracy, and athleticism. He operates in the Vols’ unique spread attack, where they send their outside wideouts to the extreme edges of the field and force opponents to defend them in space. Hooker has outstanding field vision, makes quick decisions, and delivers the ball in a position where his receivers can easily run after the catch. He doesn’t have a powerful arm, but he can make all the necessary throws."
Daniel also went on to add more regarding his arm strength and play style:
"He throws a beautiful deep ball. He has the athleticism to extend plays and he’s very effective on designed QB runs. Unfortunately, he suffered an ACL injury late in the season that could jeopardize his rookie campaign. Also, his age (25) is a concern for some teams. Overall, I see Hooker as a quality starting QB and wouldn’t be shocked if he has the best career of any passer in this year’s class.”"