NFL Draft analyst compares Hendon Hooker to a QB who played under Josh Heupel at Oklahoma
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah thinks Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is comparable to a former NFL quarterback who played under Josh Heupel at Oklahoma. Jeremiah, one the more well-respected draft analysts around, said this week that Hooker reminds him of former Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford. Heupel was Bradford's quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma. Bradford, […]
NFL Network draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah thinks Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is comparable to a former NFL quarterback who played under Josh Heupel at Oklahoma.
Jeremiah, one the more well-respected draft analysts around, said this week that Hooker reminds him of former Sooners quarterback Sam Bradford.
Heupel was Bradford's quarterbacks coach at Oklahoma.
Bradford, who was the No. 1 pick in the 2010 NFL Draft, never reached his full potential as a pro due to injuries. But he still managed to enjoy a nine-year NFL career with 83 career starts.
That's an interesting comparison, but I don't think it fully works for Hooker.
The traits that Jeremiah mentioned are certainly true of both quarterbacks. Hooker was definitely calm, decisive, and accurate at Tennessee.
But Hooker's mobility gives him an element to his game that Bradford never possessed (Bradford rushed for 36 yards in college while Hooker rushed for 2,079 yards during his time at Virginia Tech and Tennessee). That's quite a difference in playing style.
Hooker has a lot going against him when it comes to the draft. He'll be dinged for his torn ACL and his age (he's already 25).
But whoever drafts Hooker could be getting one of the biggest steals in the draft. His maturity, high football IQ and elite character, along with his physical skills, gives Hooker a chance to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. And who knows, maybe he'll prove to be a Pro Bowl-caliber option at the next level. I wouldn't bet against Hooker, that's for sure.
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