NFL Draft expert makes intriguing comp for Hendon Hooker with ties to Vols head coach Josh Heupel
NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah thinks very highly of Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker, despite the lack of NFL Draft buzz. In fact, he even compared Hooker to someone who has direct ties to Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel.
Hendon Hooker reminds Daniel Jeremiah of Sam Bradford.
“I know he’s older and doesn’t have much draft buzz but Hendon Hooker reminds me of Sam Bradford coming out of college. He’s calm, decisive and accurate,” Jeremiah tweeted.
Josh Heupel, who was a national championship-winning quarterback at Oklahoma, went on to be an offensive assistant there under Bob Stoops. While Bradford was there, Heupel was actually his quarterbacks coach. So, the comparison between the two shouldn’t be all that surprising.
At the same time, there is one key difference between Bradford and Hooker. Bradford was the first overall pick while Hooker has been largely overlooked for players like CJ Stroud and Bryce Young. Even SEC East rivals who Hooker outplayed, like Will Levis and Anthony Richardson, are expected to be taken ahead of him.
During his NFL career, Sam Bradford flashed a lot of talent and potential, but he was derailed by injuries. Hopefully, Hendon Hooker doesn’t have to deal with those same issues.
Hendon Hooker understands why his stock is dropping
Unfortunately, Hendon Hooker tore his ACL late in the regular season. Because of this, he has understandably seen his NFL stock drop ahead of the draft.
“It really hasn’t been talked about, but I can understand just with the availability factor,” Hendon Hooker said.
“My ability, my football IQ and the leadership aspects that I bring will still elevate the team and also boost my draft stock as well. Moving forward, controlling what I can control and being confident in my ability is all I can do. Have a positive attitude and just be a great guy.”