The 2023 NFL Draft is just two short weeks away, and Tennessee Football fans around the country are all wondering the same thing… where will Hendon Hooker land?
There has been much speculation on how Hendon Hooker will pan out in the NFL due to his age and recent knee injury. Nonetheless, it seems that many coaches and scouts believe in Hooker to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
The Latest on Hendon Hooker’s Draft Stock
According to Tennessee Athletics, one NFL Scout had this to say:
"“I don’t know how he gets out of the first round. Hooker had the highest total QBR of any of the top-5 QBs in this year’s draft class last season.”"
There is no hiding that Hooker would have probably won the Heisman last year if it wasn’t for his knee injury, and he probably would have been drafted in the top 10 too. Some coaches may be scared by his ACL tear, but others think that he is the diamond in the rough.
The current starting Quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, Joe Burrow, tore his ACL in his rookie season in the NFL. Since his injury, he has led the Bengals to the Super Bowl and is arguably one of the best QBs in the NFL.
Furthermore, Mike Tannenbaum from the “Get Up” had this to say about Hendon Hooker:
"When it’s all said and done, I think he will be the best Quarterback from this draft. He has ideal size and excellent arm strength and led the nation in yards per attempt. But for the injury, he may have been the 1st pick overall!”"
I strongly think that Hooker will be drafted in the first round and has met extensively with many teams picking towards the end of the first round, like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, whom I feel would be the best fit for Hendon.
The Buccaneers only have Baker Mayfield as starting Quarterback. Hendon could quickly learn from some of Baker’s experience and fill the starting role later in the season.
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