NFL quarterbacks coach makes strong statement about Vols QB Hendon Hooker
There's been plenty of discussion in recent months about Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker and where he should be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker is 25 years old, recovering from a torn ACL, and played in a non-traditional offense at Tennessee. Those are pretty much the only "negatives" surrounding Hooker. Otherwise, he's been […]
There's been plenty of discussion in recent months about Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker and where he should be selected in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hooker is 25 years old, recovering from a torn ACL, and played in a non-traditional offense at Tennessee.
Those are pretty much the only "negatives" surrounding Hooker. Otherwise, he's been praised for his leadership, maturity, quick decision-making, accurate throws, and strong arm.
Most of the questions about Hooker have come from draft analysts and other folks in the media. NFL teams don't seem nearly as concerned about his age, ACL, or offense. In fact, an anonymous NFC quarterbacks coach told NFL.com's Bucky Brooks recently that Hooker might be his favorite quarterback in the draft.
The coach said he likes the way Hooker pushes the ball down the field and also the way he throws seam routes.
From NFL.com: Said an NFC quarterbacks coach: “Hooker is maybe my favorite one out of everybody. He’s so cool. And he throws the ball. I thought I was just going to see a bunch of bubble screens and stuff that you normally see out of those types of offenses. He pushes the ball downfield (and) throws seam routes as well as anybody.”
It certainly sounds like NFL teams are higher on Hooker than the media (this isn't the first time we've heard anonymous comments from scouts/NFL coaches on Hooker that were extremely positive). It'll be interesting to see if the praise from those scouts/coaches leads to Hooker being selected in the first round on Thursday night when the 2023 NFL Draft gets underway.
