Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker Pro Day: Commanders Coach Eric Bieniemy Attends

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy visited the University of Tennessee's pro day on Thursday, featuring top prospects such as quarterback Hendon Hooker, offensive tackle Darnell Wright and receiver Jalin Hyatt.

The Washington Commanders are in the midst of another offseason centered around quarterback questions.

Commanders coach Ron Rivera said at the NFL owners meetings that second-year passer Sam Howell will get the "first chance" to start under center this coming season, with veteran Jacoby Brissett entering as the backup.

But could Washington look towards the 2023 NFL Draft for more competition?

Per NFL Network, Commanders offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was in attendance for Tennessee's pro day Thursday.

The question now becomes who Bieniemy was there for - and some may point to the Volunteers' star quarterback, Hendon Hooker.

Still recovering from a late season torn ACL, Hooker didn't participate in drills but went through interviews with teams. He's currently projected as a late first-round pick.

However, Tennessee's offense has several others players set to be drafted, including potential first-round selections in offensive tackle Darnell Wright and receiver Jalin Hyatt.

There's also receiver Cedric Tillman, tight end Princeton Fant and interior offensive lineman Jerome Carvin, with the first viewed as a top-100 pick and the last two as possible Day 3 choices.

Perhaps the most likely reason for Bieniemy's trip to Knoxville was to see Wright, who has the ability to start at right tackle as a rookie and could bring the Commanders a steady presence at a position that holds uncertainty.

The 6-5, 333-pound Wright started 42 games across four years for the Vols and earned first-team All-SEC honors this past season; he has experience play both left and right tackle along with right guard.

Thus, while it's Hooker who will likely generate the most buzz, Wright could be the apple of Bieniemy's eye - and may be in play at No. 16 overall come April's draft.

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You can follow Daniel Flick on Twitter @DFlickDraft

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