Raiders NFL Draft Prospect: QB Hendon Hooker, Tennessee

The Las Vegas Raiders can draft their future quarterback on Day Two of the 2023 NFL Draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders showed interest in a few players during the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, and one in particular can secure the quarterback position for the franchise's future.

This offseason, we'll continue to work alongside SI’s Draft Bible to get you the latest information on any potential players the Raiders might consider drafting.

"I mean, I think there's always urgency at that position," Raiders Coach Josh McDaniels said at the NFL Combine last week. "You know, look, the goal for us eventually is to have somebody who is going to be here for a long time. I think that you know, you see the teams that are having success right now in our league, I would say in our conference, and specifically, in our division, you know, they're young players who were drafted by their clubs, and they're being developed there under the same continuity.”

Quarterback Hendon Hooker, Tennessee Volunteers

"There is a lot to like about the Tennessee signal-caller both physically and mechanically. As a passer, Hooker shows a compact release, where he uses his frame to create velocity on multiple drive throws. He displays an effortless flick of the wrist, showing off his arm talent,” Draft Bible said of Hooker.

The former Virginia Tech Hokie transferred to Tennessee and exploded onto the scene, competing with the best quarterback prospects in the SEC.

This past season, Hooker recorded career numbers, including his completion rate of 69.6 percent, passing for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions.

Hooker out-dueled Bryce Young in Tennessee’s upset victory over Alabama but stumbled against Georgia’s star-studded defense.

At times, he looked like the best quarterback in the SEC and all of college football until he tore his ACL against South Carolina two weeks after losing to Georgia.

“His ability to reach all parts of the field is uncanny, with multiple throws from the far hash into the wide part of the field. ... He seems to throw only one speed, ripping the ball on swing or dig routes that favor more of a layered throw. ... Hooker is actually better when the windows get tighter, showing improved accuracy and ball placement in the red zone,” Draft Bible added.

McDaniels loves a quarterback with great accuracy inside the pocket. However, Hooker is a dual-threat quarterback with great accuracy, who can make plays anywhere on the field.

While it might concern McDaniels, there’s no denying Hooker's game on the field.

“His mentality shows here, willing himself as a runner to gain every yard especially when the end zone is in reach," Draft Bible added. "He runs with intention, and while he isn't a twitchy ball carrier, he has adequate speed and is a force in the open field, bigger than many of those tackling him.”

Ball security is an issue that can be corrected with maturity and experience.

If selected by the Raiders, he can work with Raiders quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree, who played college football at Tennessee (2004 to 2007). Having that Vol connection can come in handy.

Hooker is coming from an injury, but has told every team during the combine that he is on track to recover and be ready before the start of the season.

#Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker, who tore his ACL in November, received positive medical reports here in Indy, sources say. He's three months after the operation and on track to be ready for the season opener.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 4, 2023

The Raiders can have Hooker sit behind a veteran quarterback for a few weeks, before passing the keys of the franchise.

The 2023 NFL Draft will go from April 27-29 and be held at Union Station in Kansas City, Mo. On March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.

March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. Starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15.

The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.

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