NFL Draft Rumors: Cowboys, Raiders bring Hendon Hooker in as speculation grows around Tennesse QB

University of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is getting extreme buzz as the 2023 NFL Draft looms around the corner.

The Draft will he begin on Thursday, April 27th, and will go on for two days.

The NFL annual combine will begin on February 28th and will last until March 6th. Before the draft and combine, prospects made some visits with teams during the pre-draft process.

Hooker has met with the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and the New Orleans Saints,

The 25-year-old quarterback spent five seasons in college. He began his career with the Virginia Tech Hokies and left after three seasons in 2020. He played for the Tennessee Volunteers for the past two seasons and had two remarkable seasons.

He went 7-6 in 2021, throwing for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns, and three interceptions. He went 9-2 as the team's starting quarterback last season, throwing 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions. He accumulated a career-high 3,135 passing yards while completing 70% of his passes. He also had 430 yards rushing and five touchdowns.

Hendon hooker suffered a torn ACL on November 20th in South Carolina defeat

Capital One Orange Bowl - Clemson v Tennessee

Hooker was on his way to being considered for the Heisman Trophy when he tore his ACL on November 20th. Hooker tore his ACL in a 63-38 loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks and missed the rest of the season.

Tennessee posted a statement following the injury:

“Hendon’s incredible journey has been defined by faith, perseverance and strength. Obstacles have never stood in the way on his path to greatness. Forever a Tennessee legend and the ultimate teammate, we know Hendon will come back stronger than ever as he embarks on a promising NFL future.”

At 6'4'' 218 lbs, and as a dual-threat quarterback, Hooker has all the skills to succeed in the NFL.

However, coming off of a torn ACL, his age (25) and the system at Tennessee could be the deciding factors for him sliding in the draft. Hooker can be drafted anywhere in the draft and after the combine, we should get a better understanding of his draft projections.