NFL Draft insider reveals how Vols QB Hendon Hooker's ACL injury impacts his draft stock
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker saw his NFL draft stock rise for much of the 2022 season. After being an afterthought at Virginia Tech, Hooker developed into one of the best players in college football under Vols head coach Josh Heupel. At one point this season, Hooker was popping up in mock drafts as a […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker saw his NFL draft stock rise for much of the 2022 season.
After being an afterthought at Virginia Tech, Hooker developed into one of the best players in college football under Vols head coach Josh Heupel.
At one point this season, Hooker was popping up in mock drafts as a first-round selection.
Unfortunately for Hooker, his draft stock took a hit this past week due to the torn ACL he suffered in Tennessee's 63-38 loss to South Carolina.
Because of the injury, Hooker won't be able to go through pre-draft workouts.
And as a result, he's no longer expected to be a day-one pick.
ESPN draft analyst Matt Miller believes Hooker's injury dropped him from a potential top-50 pick to a late third-round selection.
What does an ACL injury suffered in mid-November do to Tennessee senior quarterback Hendon Hooker's draft stock? Opinions will vary, but two scouts I spoke to this week believed the timing of the injury could significantly drop his stock. At a minimum, it'll prevent him from pre-draft events like the Senior Bowl, combine and private workouts. The good news? Hooker could be back on the field early in his rookie season, though he has fell from potential top-50 pick to late-Round 3 prospect.
Hooker couldn't have had a worse ending to the 2022 season. Not only did he see the Vols knocked out of playoff contention with the loss to South Carolina (the offense put up 38 points against a team that scored six points the week before — the loss wasn't on Hooker), but he also saw his NFL Draft stock significantly impacted.
Of course, we've seen Hooker beat the odds before. He's been through plenty of adversity. Virginia Tech essentially gave up on Hooker and then he flourished. I wouldn't count him out when it comes to being a successful NFL quarterback. He just has a higher hill to climb to get there than we expected him to have.
Featured image via Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
