ESPN's Mel Kiper explains why Hendon Hooker is a 'wildcard' in Round 1

Hendon Hooker isn’t being talked about for the top overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, but Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN believes where he’s drafted could surprise some people.

While Hooker was arguably the best quarterback in all of college football before tearing his ACL last season, factors like the aforementioned injury, his age and Tennessee’s offensive style are working against him. Still, many believes he could sneak into the first round, as NFL teams are intrigued by his potential.

“Hendon Hooker’s kind of the wildcard in there,” started Kiper. “Hendon Hooker at 6-3 and change, with that great release and certainly can make all the throws, and had a phenomenal two years for Tennessee. Actually played pretty well at Virginia Tech. Had nine rushing touchdowns with the Hokies in 2020.

“But I think when you look at the quarterback friendly offense at Tennessee, and what I mean by quarterback friendly, he had excellent wide receivers, he took the snap in the shotgun and immediately hop-stepped and threw the football. Got it right out of his hands in a fast fashion to three outstanding wide receivers. They had a good running game, and a veteran offensive line. He didn’t roll and throw on the move, he didn’t have to go to that third and fourth option. When he was pressed some, his accuracy diminished a bit. Off the ACL, and he’s 25 years of age, he’ll be 26 in January. So I get it.”

Additionally, Kiper explained that Tennessee’s projected starting quarterback for the 2023 season, Joe Milton, and his performance in Hooker’s stead actually gives him some pause when it comes to his draft stock.

“What also bothers me, Joe Milton came in when Hooker was hurt, and in that bowl game against Clemson, without Cedric Tillman, without Jalin Hyatt, two top receivers, he lit up the Clemson Tigers,” stated Kiper. “So that Josh Heupel, quarterback friendly offense made it possible for these numbers to be through the roof. His touchdown-interception ratio, 69% completion percentage, ton of yards.

“I like Hendon Hooker as a second round pick, not a first round pick, but it looks like based on what you’re hearing, he could possibly go in Round 1, late in Round 1.”

Nevertheless, one NFL team will be elated to have Hendon Hooker on their team, regardless of his potential pitfalls. Time will tell who puts their eggs in his basket, but the former Volunteers quarterback will get his opportunity.