ESPN names ideal NFL team for Vols QB Hendon Hooker
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is improving his NFL draft stock week by week thanks to his Heisman Trophy-worthy performances through the first six games of the season. Draft projections for Hooker still vary — I've seen some folks say he's a first-round pick while others think he's a day-two pick — but there's no […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is improving his NFL draft stock week by week thanks to his Heisman Trophy-worthy performances through the first six games of the season.
Draft projections for Hooker still vary — I've seen some folks say he's a first-round pick while others think he's a day-two pick — but there's no doubt the hype is building for the Greensboro, NC native.
ESPN recently listed Hooker as the No. 5 quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft class (behind Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis).
ESPN currently has Hooker projected as a first or second-round pick.
And they think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be an ideal landing spot for the Tennessee quarterback.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With Tom Brady carrying year-to-year status, it would be wise for the Bucs to have some form of a heir apparent. Former second-round pick Kyle Trask hasn't been what the team envisioned, and this fit makes a lot of sense for Hooker because of his maturity. As an older prospect, it would be ideal for him to step into an environment with a roster built to contend. The Tampa Bay offense is known to attack vertically, which mirrors Tennessee's current scheme.
I don't think anyone ever wants to replace a legend — especially Tom Brady — but if Hooker's a good fit in the scheme as ESPN suggests, then it could work.
Of course, all Hooker is worried about right now is getting his team to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game.
The NFL stuff can wait. But it's still important. If Hooker is drafted in the first two rounds, it's going to be another massive recruiting weapon for Josh Heupel and the Vols.
And as we all know, it's all about recruiting in college football.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
