NFL Rumors: Blockbuster Cowboys trades, Taylor Lewan fits, Hendon Hooker interest and more
NFL Rumors: Hendon Hooker already met extensively with 5 teams in pre-draft process
We all know about the top quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft who could, in theory, be off the board by the end of the first 10 picks. Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, Will Levis and Anthony Richardson are billed as the headliners for the 2023 QB class and for good reason. However, Hendon Hooker might be a name to watch given the late-February buzz.
According to Ryan Fowler of The Draft Network, five NFL teams have already had “extensive” meetings with the Tennessee quarterback before we’ve even reached the NFL Combine. The Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants and New Orleans Saints have been in on Hooker already.
Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker has met extensively with the Raiders, Panthers, Giants, Saints, and Cowboys during the pre-draft process, per source.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) February 21, 2023
The dual-threat talent is expected be healthy and ready for training camp after suffering a torn ACL in Nov.
In each of those team’s cases, there is a need at quarterback, or at least potentially. Dallas backup Cooper Rush is a free agent this offseason so Dak Prescott needs a backup. The Giants are up in the air with Daniel Jones and his wild demands as he’s set to become a free agent. Meanwhile, the other three teams all need answers at the position.
Hooker was dominant with a 70% completion rate and phenomenal production this past year at Tennessee. But worries about his age (25 years old on draft night), injury (suffered a torn ACL in November) and the offense he played in have led to some downplaying his draft stock. Based on this report, though, he might be more coveted in the draft than previously expected.