As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Hendon Hooker.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Hendon Hooker (QB – Tennessee)
Hendon Hooker (QB – Tennessee)
6’4″ – 222 lbs.
Background:
Four-star recruit who also played basketball in high school. Originally attended Virginia Tech, where he redshirted in 2017 and played sparingly the following season. Ended up starting a total of sixteen games over the next two years, passing for a total of 2,894 yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, adding just under 1000 rushing yards and fourteen touchdowns and finishing with an 8-8 starting record, then transferred to Tennessee. Went 6-5 his first year (2,945-31-3, 68.2%, 9.8 YPA) and had a similar 2022 prior to tearing his ACL in November: 3,135 yards (69.6%, 9.5 YPA), with 27 touchdowns and two interceptions. Added 620 yards on the ground in 2021 and 430 this past year. Offense features a lot of tight formations and package plays (RPOs), with a high percentage of throws off of play-action.
Positives:
Highly productive team captain whose play has improved since arriving at Tennessee. Tall and well-built; looks the part of a pro quarterback. Has a pass-first approach and looks composed in the pocket. No heel click at the back of his drops. Effective weight transfer. Has a relaxed throwing motion with a three-quarters delivery. Throws a very catchable ball with a tight spiral and appropriate touch. Has enough arm strength to fit the ball into tight windows. Shows some ability to make anticipatory throws. Checks down when his primary read is covered. Gets appropriate arc on his deep throws, and was able to hook up with the likes of Jalin Hyatt repeatedly this past year; had an outstanding 23:2 TD:INT ratio when throwing deep the past two years. Threw just one interception under pressure at Tennessee. Dual threat who’s a pretty elusive runner with above-average speed; received plenty of opportunities to carry the ball on designed runs and is capable of working his way through arm tackles or picking up first downs when a lane presents itself. Capable of escaping the pocket when faced with penetration. Throws accurately while rolling out to his right.
Negatives:
Over-aged; will be 25 years old by draft day. Torn ACL will likely influence draft stock. Scheme isn’t the most complex or pro-style; completion percentage is somewhat padded by a lot of quick, predetermined throws (swings, screens), as well as slants and crosses over the middle of the field. Didn’t take snaps from under center during the games reviewed. Had a lot of time to operate behind clean pockets with wide receivers projected to go high on draft day. Too many uncatchable balls on routine throws like screens and shorter throws over the middle of the field. Takes some risks on shots down the sidelines; can stare down targets, and placement is iffy, typically letting passes sail but sometimes underthrowing receivers. Would like to see him protect his body a little bit more consistently when running.
Summary:
Has really made a name for himself the past two years, with Tennessee emerging as one of college football’s best teams in 2022. Certainly has some pro-style traits: is a tall, composed passer from the pocket with pretty sound fundamentals, impressive touch on his passes, and the ability to make plays with his feet, but ball placement is not as consistent as it should be, and was running a relatively simplistic offense where he often had ample time to hang in the pocket and wait for his primary read to uncover. Consequently, will probably face an adjustment period at the next level and is perhaps best considered a developmental quarterback.
Projection: Round 3
Other 2023 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects
- Max Duggan (QB – TCU)
- Jaren Hall (QB – Brigham Young)
- Will Levis (QB – Kentucky)
- Tanner McKee (QB – Stanford)
- Anthony Richardson (QB – Florida)
- CJ Stroud (QB – Ohio State)
- Bryce Young (QB – Alabama)
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