NFL insider details latest draft buzz surrounding Vols QB Hendon Hooker
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is the front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy and as a result, his draft stock is starting to rapidly climb. Hooker has gone from a potential day three draft pick before the season — projections varied but that seemed to be the most common prediction — to a certain day […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker is the front-runner to win the Heisman Trophy and as a result, his draft stock is starting to rapidly climb.
Hooker has gone from a potential day three draft pick before the season — projections varied but that seemed to be the most common prediction — to a certain day two pick and quite possibly a first-round pick.
Pro Football Focus NFL insider Doug Kyed wrote on Wednesday that multiple sources told him they think Hooker will "sneak" into the first round, while another source "wasn't so sure".
Two other sources believe Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker could sneak into the first round of the draft, though another source was less confident. Hooker will be 25 years old in January and is sixth among FBS quarterbacks with a 90.6 overall PFF grade this season. He’s made 12 big-time throws and just four turnover-worthy plays this season. He also has 30 carries for 379 yards with three rushing touchdowns. He has 14 missed tackles forced and has picked up 200 yards after contact.
Interestingly, Kyed said sources have told him that Kentucky quarterback Will Levis is considered a "likely top 10 pick" in the 2023 NFL Draft.
With Kentucky and Tennessee set to face off this weekend, it will be a battle between potential future first-round draft picks.
Maybe if Hooker outplays Levis, those draft sources will start viewing the dynamic Vols quarterback as the better draft option.
Featured image via Caitie McMekin/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
