Hendon Hooker NFL Draft: Top 3 teams that should target Tennesee’s QB

Bryce Young and CJ Stroud are the biggest names heading into the 2023 NFL Draft, with Will Levis and Anthony Richardson also in consideration. However, there is a fifth quarterback prospect that deserves mention: Hendon Hooker

Hooker is coming off two impressive seasons at Tennessee, where he led a turnaround in the school's long-struggling football program. In 2022, the Volunteers won 11 games in his final year under center, the most since 2001, and clinched the Orange Bowl (although he did not play in that game, having suffered a season-ending injury beforehand).

Young and company are expected to go off the board early, but that does not mean there is no space for Hooker. Here are three NFL teams that could use his talents.

#3 - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kyle Trask has not had much to do as a Buccaneer

As of the time of this writing, the Buccaneers have two quarterbacks: Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask. Mayfield's post-Cleveland tribulations are well-known at this point, and he is only on a one-year "prove it" deal.

If Mayfield leaves at any point, the team will have to lean on Trask, who has barely taken to the field as a pro and shown little. Therefore, getting a proven contributor like Hooker will be a great boon for Tampa Bay, which has the 19th pick.

#2 - New York Jets

Hendon Hooker could be an upgrade over Zach Wilson in New York

It is no secret that Aaron Rogers and the New York Jets want to be with each other, but talks between the two sides have stalled over what his old group in Green Bay will receive in return. But if the deal collapses, the Jets have the 13th pick to lean on.

New York's AFC representative has been a terrible place to be at quarterback, with the likes of Mark Sanchez either fading after early promises or just failing outright. However, Hooker has the credentials and the mentality to turn the franchise around, and he will have great offensive weapons like Allen Lazard and Garrett Wilson at his disposal to do so.

#1 - Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens badly need a quarterback if Lamar Jackson and Tyler Huntley leave

Lamar Jackson wants out of Baltimore, while Tyler Huntley is entertaining offers. If both of them leave, there will be just one signal caller for the Ravens - Anthony Brown. He failed to make an impact, recording two interceptions and a lost fumble in his only start.

General manager Eric DaCosta has the 22nd pick, and he would be best served using it on upgrading at quarterback, which in this case means taking Hooker. The good news is that when he enters the team, he will immediately have Super Bowl-winning receivers Nelson Agholor and Odell Beckham Jr. to throw to, greatly amplifying his offensive prowess.