Raiders Reportedly Have Met 'Extensively' With Hendon Hooker
The Las Vegas Raiders are searching for a new quarterback after releasing longtime franchise quarterback Derek Carr last week.
General Manager Dave Ziegler has said there is no “immediate answer” at quarterback this year, which means they might not immediately find their next franchise quarterback. However, they are finding someone to replace Carr in some way, shape or form for the immediate future.
The Raiders have started that search, as they, among other teams, have reportedly met "extensively" with Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker, according to The Draft Network’s Ryan Fowler. Hooker is one of the most polarizing quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Hooker was an electrifying player for the Volunteers last season, passing for 3,195 yards, 27 touchdowns, and throwing only two interceptions. Hooker also ran for 430 yards and five touchdowns. He was on track to be a Heisman Trophy finalist before sustaining a torn ACL against South Carolina.
As a quarterback, Hooker has an NFL arm and the desired NFL size teams covet. He is a smart, accurate passer who doesn’t turn the ball over and can extend plays with his legs.
While there are reasons for Hooker to be viewed as a high-level NFL prospect, there are also reasons for concern. The ACL injury caused his draft stock to fall, as he was a possible first-round prospect before that. Hooker also is 25 years old and will be close to 30 by the time his rookie contract expires.
From a schematic standpoint, Hooker played his final two seasons of college football under Josh Heupel at Tennessee, and Heupel’s system does not reflect that of an NFL offense. It would likely be a steep learning curve for Hooker to go from a Heupel-led offense to a Josh McDaniels-led offense.
The NFL Draft is one of the most complicated times of year for NFL teams, as they have to do rigorous research on countless prospects and try to find the best fit. The Raiders' extensive meeting with Hooker means some interest, so Ziegler must decide if Hooker’s talent outweighs his risks.
The NFL Scouting Combine is Feb. 28-March 6, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind. March 7, 2023, before 4 p.m. EST, is the club's deadline to designate Franchise or Transition Players.
March 13-15 is the free agent negotiation period. During that time, starting at 12 p.m. EDT on March 13 and ending at 3:59:59 p.m. EDT on March 15, clubs are permitted to contact and enter into contract negotiations with the certified agents of players who will become Unrestricted Free Agents upon the expiration of their 2022 Player Contracts at 4 p.m EDT on March 15.
The 2023 NFL Year and Free Agency period begins at 4 p.m. EDT on March 15. The Raiders are expected to be significant players in the free-agent market this season.
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