Will Hendon Hooker be selected in the first round? Looking at the Tennessee QB prospects' odds

Hendon Hooker's name has been continuously linked to several NFL teams in recent weeks. Despite not initially being in the mix, the Tennessee Volunteers quarterback has recently generated some first-round buzz leading up to the NFL draft later this month.

The quarterback has entered the conversation that previously included Alabama's Bryce Young, Ohio State's CJ Stroud, Florida's Anthony Richardson, and Kentucky's Will Levis. The one-million-dollar question is whether the quarterback stands a chance in the first round.

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Hendon Hooker’s Exploits in College Football?

With impressive performances in high school, Hooker received offers from several Power 5 programs. However, he committed to Virginia Tech in 2017 after visiting the university campus. Redshirted as a freshman, he went on to become an important player for the team.

In his three seasons with the Hokies, the quarterback played 20 games, of which he started 16. He recorded 2,894 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. He also rushed for 1,033 yards and 15 touchdowns before deciding to move on from the program.

He transferred to the University of Tennessee in 2021, where he was initially a backup to Joe Milton under head coach Josh Heupel. Milton, however, suffered an injury in the second game of the season and Hooker took over the starting role, becoming indispensable for the team.

He ended his college career with the Tennessee Volunteers after two seasons, throwing for 6,080 yards and 58 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,046 yards, scoring 10 touchdowns. The QB played a key role in helping the Tennessee Volunteers football program experience a resurgence, finishing fifth in Heisman voting in 2022.

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Chances of Hendon Hooker getting picked in the first round

Capital One Orange Bowl - Clemson v Tennessee

The probability of Hooker's name being called on the first night of the draft later this month is becoming more likely as the event approaches. The quarterback is coming off an ACL injury, but that has done little to affect his recent draft stock.

With more teams reportedly looking to draft a signal-caller with their first pick in the draft, he definitely looks to have secured a first-round berth in the event. The Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have all held meetings with the youngster, making his first-round chances even more evident.