After being away from the spotlight for much of the NFL pre-draft process, quarterback Hendon Hooker has been selected as one of the hottest names in the 2023 draft class.
The Tennessee star’s recovery from a season-ending knee injury prevented him from impressing scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and the Volunteers’ pro day, but it appears draftniks are catching up on his tape because he has been rising in the ranks lately.
Ex-NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks has been on Hooker’s bandwagon for months now, placing him in the ranks behind Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud but ahead of Will Levis and Anthony Richardson in his Top 5 lists.
As a skilled QB prospect with 6,080 passing yards and a 58:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio over his past two college seasons, Hendon is a dart thrower that can deliver the football with touch, timing, and anticipation at a short and intermediate range. Hooker complements his pinpoint changeup pitches with rainbow tosses that are high-arching and fall from the sky into the waiting hands of light-footed pass catchers running various vertical routes.
After Hendon Hooker was transferred from Virginia Tech, he showed Knoxville that he can take on defenses like a championship fighter, deploying jabs (dink and dunk tosses) and right hooks (deep balls) that cause opponents to fight to defend every grass from the sideline to sideline and end zone to end zone. Hooker’s gait, patience, and precision make him a plug-and-play prospect at the next level.
While unbelievers will say that Hooker’s numbers are inflated because of Josh Heupel’s explosive system, the tape shows a cerebral player with a clear understanding of concepts and coverage. Hendon’s knowledge and football IQ aid him play the sport in slow motion while other players (Levis and Richardson) move at a frenetic pace, causing inconsistent production and performance.
Matter of fact, Hendon Hooker’s dominating multiple seasons in the SEC makes it an easy decision to give him the draft cap as the third quarterback off the board. He is more refined and productive than his SEC counterparts from Kentucky and Florida, and teams going for the toolsy guys could regret overlooking the prolific passer.
Hooker’s game brings to mind Geno Smith’s play and just like the veteran, Hendon can excel as a pro if given the opportunity and a solid supporting cast.
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