Hendon Hooker says he was not asked strange questions by NFL teams

It’s become commonplace to expect some strange questions from NFL franchises as a prospect, but Hendon Hooker is an exception to the weird trend apparently.

The former Tennessee star elaborated on one of the most interesting parts of the pre-draft process, the interviews with a myriad of franchises. According to Hooker, nothing was out of the ordinary though, so he has no hilarious stories to tell.

“No, it’s really crazy, I get that question a lot,” explained Hooker. “There wasn’t any off the wall questions or some things I wasn’t prepared for.”

Oh well. I guess it isn’t a bad thing that NFL teams no longer believe a prospect’s favorite color will make them a better or worse football player. It simply matters what’s on the field, as it should.

One of the aforementioned visits Hooker took earlier in the week was with the New York Giants, who just last month the Giants resigned quarterback Daniel Jones to a 4-year, $160 million deal, making it unlikely that New York would use their No. 25 overall pick in the first round to draft a quarterback.

But regardless, the Giants still hosted Hooker and gaining intel on one of the most unique quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.

As a high school recruit, Hooker was a four-star recruit out of Dudley in Greensboro (N.C.). 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 according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies

Hooker suffered a torn ACL on November 19, and is questionable to be able to play for any NFL franchise this upcoming season. His injury coupled with a character that many scouts have already raved about has likely led to so many visits for the former Volunteers quarterback.

Prior to his season-ending injury, Hooker was one of the most efficient and effective passers in the country, throwing for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He was the model of efficiency, leading the nation in quarterback rating with an 89.5 rating. Hooker was also able to make it happen with his legs, rushing for 430 yards and five scores on the ground following two consecutive 600-yard rushing seasons. 

One of the biggest what-ifs of the 2023 NFL Draft will be if Hooker didn’t suffer from his serious knee injury. But regardless of the lack of odd questions and the wonderment surrounding the former Tennessee quarterback’s abilities, it’s indisputable he’s catching the eye of many teams.