Former SEC Heisman Contending Quarterback Visiting Buccaneers Next Week
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to fill out their quarterback room following the retirement of Tom Brady and losing Blaine Gabbert in free agency. As of now, the only two quarterbacks on the Buccaneers' roster are former second-round pick, Kyle Trask, and recently signed Baker Mayfield.
One of the ways the Buccaneers can look to add to their quarterback depth would be in the 2023 NFL draft. According to multiple reports, Tampa Bay is expected to host former Heisman contender out of the University of Tennessee, Hendon Hooker, next week.
Hooker was a 5-year player in college, spending his first three seasons in the ACC with the Virginia Tech Hokies before transferring to the University of Tennessee. After beating out Joe Milton to become the Volunteers' starter, Hooker burst onto the scene this past season where he rose up the Heisman contenders board.
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Unfortunately for Hooker, he suffered a torn ACL in the Volunteers' lopsided loss to South Carolina toward the end of the season. For Hooker, the best possible landing spot in the NFL would be one where there are plenty of options at the QB position - which the Buccaneers definitely have.
Hooker has interest from not only the Buccaneers, as the Saints, Commanders, Packers, and Titans have all either met or plan to meet with him.
Hooker compiled 632 completions for 8,974 yards and 80 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions throughout his collegiate career. Hooker could be a work in progress, especially coming off the torn ACL, but the ceiling is very high for a player that is not being talked about enough in pre-draft discussions.
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Stick with BucsGameday for more coverage of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throughout the 2023 offseason.
