Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker trending in first round of NFL Draft

Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker trended into the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft based on multiple reports of pre-draft visits.

Hooker reportedly visited with the New Orleans Saints, who have the No. 29 overall pick and just signed former Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr. But, he also reportedly has meetings with the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers on the docket, per ESPN’s Matt Miller.

Not only that, an NFC East wants a look at the former Volunteers signal caller.

Per multiple reports, via Pro Football Talk, the Washington Commanders will host Hooker for a pre-draft visit.

Interestingly, the Saints and Packers, who seemingly have starters ready to go, want to visit with Hooker. And it seems like he’d be a first round pick at this point.

The Saints signed Carr while the Packers are ready to pivot to Jordan Love if they can pull off the Aaron Rodgers trade with the New York Jets.

The Titans have Ryan Tannehill, but his future could be up in the air if the Titans wants to move in a different direction and new era. Plus, Hooker wouldn’t go far.

Washington opted for Sam Howell, a former North Carolina star, after cutting ties with Taylor Heinicke and Carson Wentz.

Hooker was very positive about his recovery from an ACL injury. It seems like it’s steady progress back into a normal routine.

Last season, Hooker put up Heisman Trophy numbers before his injury. He had 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, two interceptions, a 69.6%, 430 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns.

“So a lot of these questions about one-sided reads and stuff, we have pure progression routes,” Hooker said of the Tennessee offense. “It’s not my fault my first read is getting open. But we have pre-snap looks, one high, two high. Which side. Double footwork combo. We have pure progression with an alert, with an option.

“So, you know, any of these questions, they’re cool and all, but if you really dig into our offense and watch the film then you would understand it’s elevated to a whole ‘nother level. And how fast we’re going, I have to process a lot of information at the same time and communicate with everyone.”

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As a member of the Class of 2017, Hooker was a four-star recruit out of Greensboro (N.C.) Dudley, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 8 overall prospect in the state, the No. 25 quarterback in the class and the No. 354 overall prospect in the class.