Hendon Hooker Complete NFL Draft Profile (Tennessee Dual-Threat QB Remains Overlooked in 2023 Class)

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is eligible for the 2023 NFL Draft following his standout season in 2022. An SEC Offensive Player of the Year, Hooker showcased elite dual-threat capabilities on the biggest of stages and could hear his name called as early as the first round at the end of April.

Here's everything you need to know about Hendon Hooker heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hendon Hooker Draft Stock & Mock Draft Projections

Mock draft sources accurate as of 4/19: Walter Football, Sporting News, CBS Sports, Pro Football Network, Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, ESPN.

Projected Draft Round: Round 1 (2), Round 2 (3), Round 3 (2)
Projected Team: Lions (3), Colts (1), Rams (1), Seahawks (1), Vikings (1)

Hendon Hooker Scouting Report

Hooker committed to Virginia Tech after winning two state titles in high school and took over the starting quarterback gig as a sophomore. He logged 1,555 passing yards and 13 touchdowns in 2019 and replicated that success with 1,339 passing yards and 9 touchdowns across eight games in 2020.

The North Carolina native then transferred to Tennessee, which is where he found his groove. Hooker tallied 6,080 passing yards as well as 1,046 rushing yards and 68 total touchdowns (5 interceptions) across two seasons with the Volunteers. He even won SEC Offensive Player of the Year in 2022.

Highlighted strengths of Hooker's game focus on his build and accuracy. Hooker stands tall in the pocket and knows how to deliver balls in even the tightest of gaps, which should help him translate his skills to the NFL level. His dual-threat capabilities are a plus given the state of today's league, too.

Hooker is not a prospect without flaws, though, as he thrived in a Tennessee offensive scheme that looks nothing like an NFL one. He will need to improve on making defensive reads and deviating from predetermined throws. Nevertheless, Hooker has the upside of a starting NFL QB down the road.

Hendon Hooker NFL Draft Prediction

Keep in mind Hooker's draft stock has plateaued over the last few months due to the fact that he could not participate in any physical drills at the combine as he recovers from an ACL injury. It's worth mentioning reports claim the Tennessee QB has made a great impression across team interviews.

Hooker could come off the board as early as the first round or as late as the third round, but I find myself expecting him to land right in the middle of the second round. He is an athletic QB and an older prospect (25 years old) as well, making him the perfect backup option with starting upside.

That fits in quite well with what the Detroit Lions have going on. QB Jared Goff is 28 years old and only under contract for two more seasons. Adding Hooker to be his mentee in hopes that he will be ready to take over is a logical move to make, especially for a team with two second-round picks.

Prediction: Detroit Lions (Round 2, 48 or 55 overall)

Check out more NFL Draft content from The Duel:

Hendon Hooker NFL Combine Results

Hendon Hooker College Stats

Hendon Hooker College Highlights

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.