Former NFL quarterback Ryan Leaf, the No. 2 overall selection in the 1998 Draft, made a strong statement on Wednesday morning that plenty of draft analysts won't agree with. 

Leaf appeared on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" on Wednesday morning to discuss a variety of topics, including quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft. 

The former Washington State quarterback made it clear that he doesn't think Tennessee Vols QB Hendon Hooker is getting enough love during the draft process. 

"I love the Hendon Hooker conversation and I don't think he's getting enough love," said Leaf. "The injury aspect of things is a huge factor in all of this. But if he's healthy, he would have to be considered where people are talking about (Florida QB) Anthony Richardson."

"I'm excited to hear how his talks go, what the physical looks like at the combine," added Leaf. 

Before Hooker suffered a torn ACL last November, he was being projected anywhere from the late first round to the middle rounds of the draft. 

Post injury, Hooker is going on day two in most mock drafts (he's a day three pick in some mocks). 

Even before Hooker tore his ACL, it seemed that Richardson was getting more draft love. That's because Richardson has a better arm, is bigger, and can run (that's what the draft analysts say at least).

Hooker isn't quite as big as Richardson (same height, Richardson is about 15 lbs heavier). But Hooker can run just fine (Vols fans saw that plenty in 2022). And he can throw the ball down the field, too (just ask WR Jalin Hyatt). Maybe Richardson is slightly faster and has a better arm, but Hooker has more than enough speed and arm to excel in the NFL. 

What's being overlooked by analysts is production. Hooker put up incredible numbers over the last two years at Tennessee. NFL teams don't have to imagine what Hooker can do — they saw what he could do in the toughest conference in college football. And that should count for something. 

When it comes to Richardson, analysts are projecting what they think he can do since he didn't have a large body of work at Florida. 

Hooker is hoping to be ready to go by training camp. With the way guys recover from ACL injuries these days (modern medical care is amazing), Hooker's injury shouldn't be a major concern for teams considering the former Vols standout. 

If an NFL team lands Hooker in round two or later, they could be getting a massive steal. 

I don't think anyone has ever said this before, but NFL teams might be wise to listen to Ryan Leaf.