NFL Draft scout reveals how scouts feel about Vols QB Hendon Hooker
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker has quickly put himself in the thick of the Heisman Trophy conversation this season. That's because Hooker is off to a great start this season. Through four games, Hooker is completing over 70 percent of his passes. And he's yet to throw an interception in 2022. Since transferring to Tennessee […]
Tennessee Vols quarterback Hendon Hooker has quickly put himself in the thick of the Heisman Trophy conversation this season.
That's because Hooker is off to a great start this season. Through four games, Hooker is completing over 70 percent of his passes. And he's yet to throw an interception in 2022.
Since transferring to Tennessee from Virginia Tech nearly two years ago, Hooker has gone from an afterthought to a legitimate NFL quarterback prospect.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler, a longtime NFL draft writer/reporter/analyst, recently gave his take on Hooker and the draft, including some insight from NFL draft scouts.
While Hooker was at Virginia Tech, he didn’t look anything like an NFL prospect. Even after he transferred to Tennessee, it took time before he took over as the starter. The Vols’ offense, though, started to click once he was on the field, and NFL scouts have taken notice. He has been an ideal fit in Josh Heupel’s up-tempo offense, which utilizes plenty of movement (play-action, bootlegs, rollouts, etc.).
In 15 starts at Tennessee, Hooker has been responsible for 45 total touchdowns and only two interceptions. He is an instinctive player as both an athlete and a passer, and he has the smooth release to get the ball out on time.
Hooker’s age — he’ll turn 25 in January — will be an issue for some NFL teams. His internal clock is still developing and he must improve his ball security; he has had 17 fumbles since the start of last season, which isn’t a hand-size issue because his 10 1/2-inch mitts likely will be the biggest in this year’s QB class. However, Hooker has the athletic traits, toughness and mid-range accuracy (see the clip below) that will translate to the pro game.
If Hooker gets drafted in the early rounds, it'll be massive for the Vols when it comes to recruiting.
There aren't many criticisms of Josh Heupel's offense at this point — results don't lie. But one thing that critics have said is that his offense doesn't prepare quarterbacks for the NFL.
Hooker getting drafted high could change that perception. There's still plenty of season left and Hooker can continue to improve his draft stock.
For now, though, it certainly appears that Hooker will hear his name called before day three of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Featured image via Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
