Hooked on Hendon: Where could the Vols star go in the draft?
As we inch ever closer to the draft, it appears that quarterback Hendon Hooker may have been initially overlooked.
From the offset, conversation about this year’s leading rookie QBs centred predominantly around Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis, and most recently, Anthony Richardson. However, as is the case with interesting players, Hooker’s stock – and ultimately his projected selection position – is on the rise as the first night of the draft approaches.
Among the reasons why Hooker has been somewhat disregarded until these latter stages on the road to the draft can generally be attributed to two things. Firstly, at the age of 25, he’s four years older than the top prospect duo of Young and Stroud.
Secondly, and maybe more concerningly for teams, he’s recovering from an ACL injury from back in November. Whatever the reasons, it’d be imprudent to dismiss the former Hokies and Vols talent from potentially being among the elite of this year’s draft class.
College Days
In his initial season at Virginia Tech in 2018, Hooker played in only three games, rushing for 57 yards and one rushing touchdown. He became the starting quarterback for the Hokies the following season where he then led them to the Belk Bowl.
Across the 2019 and 2020 season, he threw for 2,894 yards and 22 passing touchdowns, and a further 14 rushing touchdowns.
Hooker moved to Tennessee in 2021 where, after taking over the starting job, he began to excel. In the 2021 season, he passed for 2,945 yards, throwing for 31 touchdowns. He also rushed for 616 yards, just short by four from his preceding season, and also rushed for an additional five touchdowns.
Hopes were high for the subsequent season in which Hooker started strongly. In a memorable showdown against Alabama in October, he threw for 385 yards and 5 passing touchdowns in a dramatic 52-49 upset.
Even those who don’t follow college football will recall the drive and 40-yard winning field goal which then saw the home fans not only invade the field upon the game’s climax, but then tear down the goal post and jetsam its remnants into a river.
Before injury eventually derailed his final season with the Vols, Hooker threw for 3,135 yards with 27 passing touchdowns, while rushing for 430 yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.
A Heisman Trophy candidate before his season was disrupted, analysts debate whether Hooker’s success in Tennessee stemmed from the offense he had around him and the space he was often afforded.
His decision-making skills, urgency for yardage and placement have been praised by scouts, but he is noted to struggle when forced to throw on the move and his consistency needs a little more time to improve. His footwork and ability to run also presents a dynamism which is progressively favoured in today’s game.
Hooker’s injury would eventually keep him from the Combine and would explain further why he’s not enjoyed as much media attention as his fellow rookie QBs in recent weeks until now. By all accounts, his ACL is healing on schedule, but whether he is ready for Week 1 remains dubious.
Fast forward to April, and after weeks of conjecture and calculation, Hooker could feasibly be taken by any number of teams. Whilst mock drafts have the Greensboro-born prospect placed inconsistently up and down the board, one steady trend is that as the draft nears the buzz around him grows and opens up multiple landing spots for him.
Potential landing spots
Las Vegas Raiders
Reports suggest Hooker has had numerous meetings with Las Vegas. In March, the Raiders, who have the 7th pick, acquired Jimmy Garoppolo in a $67.5 million deal to replace an outgoing Derek Carr. That contract is for three years, so Hooker could slot behind the former 49er and continue to evolve his game until he’s called up to start.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders currently have Sam Howell and a recently signed Jacoby Brissett on a one-year deal. Neither yet could be the long-term option they need, with Howell having only one career start to date. Hooker could be a valuable and pivotal missing piece in Washington.
Minnesota Vikings
What happens with Kirk Cousins after this season is an unknown and although the Vikings have other pressing needs, Hooker could be an enticing option provided he’s still available at number 23. Minnesota are firmly behind Cousins for 2023, thus offering Hooker time to heal, absorb and step up to become a starter.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions could be a force to be reckoned with this season, but former first overall pick Jared Goff is yet to have any discussions about a contract extension. A rookie QB could be a solution to whatever occurs with Goff after this season, and the Lions also have the advantage of two first-round picks too (6th and 18th).
Tennessee Titans
Ryan Tannehill has one year left with the Titans and the jury is still out on Malik Willis, last year’s drafted QB. The QB situation in Tennessee has drew much speculation, with hints of the Titans trading up in the draft to secure another one. Pending how the draft and any trading shakes out, Hooker taken at number 11 could be a real possibility.
New York Giants
That Daniel Jones signed a $160m four-year extension would imply that the Giants aren’t in the market for a signal-caller. Nonetheless, reports indicate the Giants may well be interested in taking Hooker as part of a longer-term strategy.
Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers is now officially a Jet and thus Jordan Love becomes QB1 in Wisconsin. Green Bay’s Rodgers trade boosts their total number of picks this year to 11 so it wouldn’t be a great surprise to see them look to take a new QB.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have a young roster which they are building. Desmond Ridder was drafted last year and has four games under his belt. Competing alongside Ridder for the starting gig, Hooker could provide a dual-threat alongside RB Tyler Allgeier who should have a breakout season beside other youthful players itching to make an impact in 2023.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers were another team who Hooker met with earlier this year. It’s unlikely the Panthers will have traded up for the first pick to take him though, in spite of Hooker sending a message recently that he values himself as being number one overall.
Dallas Cowboys
Since his debut in 2016, Dak Prescott has only ever taken the Cowboys as far as the divisional playoff round. Expectations and potential similarities aside, Hooker could provide a contingency plan for if Prescott shows signs of slowing or should patience in Dallas begin to run out.
New Orleans Saints
Although the Saints signed Derek Carr earlier this spring, they too have also interviewed Hooker. Given their investment in the former Raiders man, don’t expect to see the Saints attempt to take him with their 29th pick, perhaps instead waiting for a later round if his name hasn’t already been called by that stage.
LA Rams
Matthew Stafford should be back from injury in time for the new season, but at present is the only quarterback under contract. The Rams have no first-round pick so would need to trade up and doing so would be a tactical scheme given the other areas of the roster they need to re-establish.
However, Hooker, learning from and playing for Sean McVay, could transpire to be mutually fruitful for both parties and interesting for fans alike.
Envisaging where Hooker ends up is tricky, not least given the challenge in properly evaluating him given his injury. Likewise, how the draft unfolds will influence how other teams react and whether they endeavour to trade up or even down.
That said, when he is healthy and has settled into the NFL’s – and his host team’s – rhythm, Hooker could be a star. However, for any franchise to benefit from such talent, they first need to be fully convinced by his (potential) abilities and then permit him the time he needs to recuperate fully and develop his game to the next level.
