Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker is one of the most fascinating prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft, and teams will have to do their research on him. Already 25 years old and coming off an ACL injury, Hooker probably won’t be a first-round pick, but he possesses some of the traits that could allow him to turn into a franchise passer at the next level. Given the importance of the position, somebody is going to take a risk on him, but which team will it be?
I can't shake the Sam Bradford comp for Hendon Hooker. It's solid. Sammy Sleeves (when healthy) did work, man. pic.twitter.com/BBCYVICLT0
— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) April 14, 2023
Top 5 Teams That Could Draft Hendon Hooker
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints have Derek Carr as their short-term answer at quarterback, but they still need to find their quarterback of the future. Carr’s contract is structured in such a way that it is basically a two-year deal. Due to Hooker’s knee injury, he probably won’t be back to full strength until 2024, so the timing works perfectly. Hooker can spend 2023 rehabbing and then spend the 2024 season on the bench, proving that he is worthy of taking over starting duties in 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders signed Jimmy Garoppolo for decent money this offseason, but nobody expects him to be anything more than an adequate bridge quarterback. Much like with the Saints, Garoppolo can keep the team afloat while Hendon Hooker works his way back onto the field. However, unlike with the Saints, there is nothing stopping the Tennessee product from taking the starting job as soon as he’s healthy.
Minnesota Vikings
From the outside looking in, it appears as though the Kirk Cousins Era in Minnesota will be coming to an end following the 2023 season. The team has yet to extend their quarterback, and they’re reportedly discussing a Trey Lance trade. If the team cannot land the former third-overall pick, perhaps they pivot and take a shot on Hendon Hooker. Doing this would allow Kirk Cousins to play out the remainder of his contract before hitting free agency at the end of the year. At this point, the Vikings could give Hooker full control of the offense without him having to worry about a veteran coming to steal his job.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have placed an insane amount of trust in Desmond Ridder throughout the early portion of the offseason. While the former third-round pick had his moments last year, he’s anything but a sure thing to be a legitimate franchise quarterback. Perhaps the Falcons can let him captain the ship in 2023, but in the event he crashes and burns, the team should have a backup plan. Nobody is saying the Falcons should draft Hooker with the eighth overall pick, but if he’s still there in the second round, it’s going to be hard for Atlanta to pass him up.
Baltimore Ravens
As time goes by, it seems more and more likely that Lamar Jackson will be back with the Baltimore Ravens in 2023. However, there is still the very real chance that Jackson signs with a different organization next year. If that happens, the team needs to have an insurance policy in place, and Hendon Hooker might be the man for the job. Right now, the Ravens don’t have an easy way to draft him, but if trade back from 22, then they could select Hooker early in the second round.
Main Photo: Brianna Paciorka – USA Today Sports
