The 2023 NFL Draft is almost here with a number of former Vols less than a week away from finding out where they’ll start their NFL careers.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker may not be straying too far from Knoxville as ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay continues to hear smoke about the Tennessee Titans selecting the Vols’ standout signal caller.
“Any move down the board would likely keep them inside the top 20,” McShay wrote. “I’ve heard Hooker’s name as a possible target if they do drop down the board. Remember, Ryan Tannehill is turning 35 years old and is on the decline.”
Hooker was a star in his two seasons at Tennessee, combining to throw for 6,080 yards, 58 touchdowns and just five seasons. Hooker fell down draft boards after tearing his ACL in the Vols’ loss at South Carolina with most projecting the dual threat quarterback as a day two selection.
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However, in recent weeks Hooker has flown up draft boards and appears poised to go in the first round of the NFL Draft.
“I keep hearing Hooker will get picked in the top 20,” McShay wrote. “If Tennessee moves back — maybe to No. 17 in a swap with the OL-needy Steelers — that could be a team to watch. But Tampa Bay and Minnesota have been linked to him, as well.”
Indianapolis, Seattle and Detroit are three other franchises that have interest in the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year.
All six franchises that have been linked to Hooker are all in need of a quarterback but most don’t have to have a rookie start this season. That could prove critical for Hooker as he adjusts to an NFL offense and gets back to 100% post ACL tear.
The NFL Draft starts at 8 p.m. ET Friday night in Kansas City. Both ABC and ESPN will broadcast the first round of the draft. The second and third rounds begin on Friday at 7 p.m. ET.
