National Evaluator Puts Hendon Hooker In New Territory

NFL Network's Bucky Brooks took to social media to praise former Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker.

Quarterback Hendon Hooker continues to receive draft praise. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported earlier this week NFL franchises might view him as the No. 5 quarterback in the class, with an anonymous quote from an NFL scout saying Hooker could be a "quality starter."

With the Reese's Senior Bowl in the rearview mirror and some distance until the NFL Combine, evaluators are beginning to study the tape. While film evaluations are just part of the process, many hold a prospect's tape in higher esteem than athletic testing. NFL Network's Bucky Brooks is one of the best talent evaluators in the media. He has been early on several big draft risers in previous cycles and seems to be enamored with Hooker's skillset.

There seems to be a consensus top four quarterbacks in this draft: Bryce Young, CJ Stroud, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis. Franchises have them graded differently, but you typically see these names first when discussing the position. Brooks stated that he believes Hooker is "no worse" than the No. 3 quarterback in the class. While he doesn't have the immense physical talent of Levis or Richardson, Hooker has had some high-caliber NFL moments.

Injured or not, Hendon Hooker is no worse than the QB3 in this class. Talented and experienced with the athleticism and passing prowess that is required to play at a high level in this league. There might be sexier prospects, but there are not many QBs with better skills than HH.

— Bucky Brooks (@BuckyBrooks) February 7, 2023

Furthermore, he stands 6-4 and 225 lbs., more than enough to succeed professionally. Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel prepared him for the next level by incorporating full-field reads into his offense, forcing Hooker to do more than take a snap and immediately look toward his hot read, which many of these prospects are guilty of.

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