Buzz Growing For Quarterback Outside The Top Four

Could another quarterback work himself into the first round? The buzz is growing that it could happen.

Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

NASHVILLE -  Another familiar name among potential NFL draft picks has seen the buzz around his name grow as a possible first-round selection come April.    

Former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker has long been thought to be in the second group of quarterbacks for this draft, just behind the top four of CJ Stroud, Bryce Young, Will Levis, and Anthony Richardson. 

However, despite the torn ACL, he suffered late last season, Hooker's name is seeing a late boom, which could vault him into the first round. We know the arm talent is there, and he is a very bright guy who's reportedly blown teams away with the mental part,  film work, and attitude through this process. 

Also, Hooker recently announced that his recovery is ahead of schedule, and he expects to be ready by training camp. 

On Wednesday, Adam Sparks, who covers Volunteer football for the Knoxville News Sentinal, appearing on a local Nashville radio show, expressed the thought that the knee injury might be a benefit to Hooker through these evaluations because teams are focusing more on the off-field portions rather than forty times and the other athletic activities.  

Already 25, Hooker is older than the other top players at his position and has a maturity that stands out, according to one NFL scout who spoke with AllTitans.

"It definitely stands out how mature this guy is, and that's partly because of his age," the scout said. "Then his smarts jump out at you when you talk ball and playing quarterback. His stock has risen for sure."  

As a senior, Hooker threw for 3,135 yards with 27 touchdowns against just two interceptions before his season-ending injury. 

Of all the games Hooker played in 2022, everyone points to the Alabama game,  where he outdueled Young in leading the Vols to their first win over the Tide in 15 years. For the game, Hooker was 21-30 for 385 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception.

Some of the buzz around Hooker began to build when the NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah released a mock draft with the former Volunteer heading to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 23. 

His reasoning for this selection?

"The Vikings have been doing their homework on this quarterback class," Jeremiah wrote. "Hooker is well-liked around the league, and he could sit for a year behind Kirk Cousins before taking over and ushering in a new era for Kevin O'Connell."

Before anyone gets the idea, I'm suggesting the Titans are looking at Hooker at No.11; it's doubtful. However, he could be a target at No.41 in the second round if the Titans believe he can be their future quarterback and are good with his age. 

Age, and his ACL injury, which despite his rapid recovery, won't likely allow him to be a serious contender to become the team's starting quarterbacking '23, are the issues he faces, and teams must work to decide how highly they are willing to go to take him. 

Still, there could be one team willing to take the chance earlier rather than later on, an older, intelligent, highly productive quarterback in a league that's all about having "the guy" in that position.  

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