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SEC Football Way-Too-Early 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker

By Ryan Broyles

GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers throws a pass during a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 25: Hendon Hooker #5 of the Tennessee Volunteers throws a pass during a game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Gainesville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /
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Hendon Hooker put SEC Football on notice in 2021 as he rose to prominence and entered the collective consciousness of the NFL Draft community.

Hendon Hooker was an afterthought entering the 2021 season, but Hooker led a Volunteers’ revitalization, and now he has a ton of momentum entering the 2022 season.

Just how far can Hendon Hooker climb in the 2023 NFL Draft? We dive in to find out today.

SEC Football Way-Too-Early 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker

Positives:

The first thing you notice is the multi-dimensional capabilities of Hendon Hooker. Hooker was on the verge of 3,000 yards passing while also rushing for 550 yards.

Hendon Hooker isn’t just a runner at the QB position. Hooker looks to extend the play with his legs as a passer first. He attacks the line of scrimmage as a runner second.

Hendon Hooker has a natural feel for the pocket and can avoid the rush with natural athleticism.

Hendon Hooker has displayed fine accuracy. Hooker has improved this element of his game year after year.

Negatives:

Hendon Hooker believes that he can make every throw. While having this confidence can be positive, in Hookers’ case, it has led to turnovers and costly mistakes.

Although Hendon Hooker has improved accuracy, his downfield throwing still leaves much to be desired. The ball sails on Hooker far too often, evading his intended target.

The Tennessee offensive scheme takes much of the progression out of the hands of the quarterback. It is fair to wonder if Hendon Hooker would struggle to get the ball out quickly in a scheme that requires him to go through a proper progression.

Overall:

Hendon Hooker has now developed into a realistic NFL Draft prospect – within reason. Hooker still needs a ton of work and should be evaluated as a developmental prospect for now. In what projects to be a deep 2023 QB class, Hendon Hooker could get lost in the shuffle.

Next. Top 10 SEC quarterbacks returning for 2022 season. dark

There are some things to like here with Hendon Hooker, but he is nothing more than a late-round selection as we peak to the 2023 NFL Draft.

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