Hendon Hooker lands with several former Vols in latest 2023 NFL mock draft

The latest 2023 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network has Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker landing with several former UT players. PFN has Hooker going to the New Orleans Saints in the third round (No. 71 overall). From PFN: New Orleans needs a quarterback, but they’ll have to wait to get one. Hooker is one of […]

Zach Ragan Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The latest 2023 NFL mock draft from Pro Football Network has Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker landing with several former UT players.

PFN has Hooker going to the New Orleans Saints in the third round (No. 71 overall).

From PFN:

New Orleans needs a quarterback, but they’ll have to wait to get one. Hooker is one of the oldest rookies in recent memory, but it’s hard to deny the talent.

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) dodges defense during an SEC football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021. Tennvskentucky1106 1397
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker (5) dodges defense during an SEC football game between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Kentucky Wildcats at Kroger Field in Lexington, Ky. on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021.Tennvskentucky1106 1397

This is probably a realistic landing spot for Hooker. If not for the torn ACL, I think he would go a bit higher. But even though Hooker says he'll be ready for training camp, the injury will still give some NFL teams pause when it comes to drafting the former Vols standout.

If Hooker is drafted by the Saints, he'd join four former Vols in New Orleans (including one former teammate).

Here are the former Tennessee players currently listed on the Saints' roster:

  • Marquez Callaway — WR
  • Alvin Kamara — RB
  • Alontae Taylor — CB
  • Shy Tuttle — DL

Hooker and Taylor were teammates at Tennessee in 2021.

New Orleans seems to love former Vols and they have an unclear situation at quarterback. Landing Hooker in the third round could be a massive steal for the Saints.

Featured image via Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports