Todd McShay weighs in on Hendon Hooker, NFL Draft stock following knee injury

Stephen Samraby:Steve Samra•12/07/22•

SamraSource

Hendon Hooker suffering a knee injury not only hurt Tennessee’s College Football Playoff chances and the quarterback’s Heisman campaign, but the group-think was that his NFL Draft stock would fall, as well.

However, Todd McShay of ESPN isn’t so keen on that take, as he believes the Volunteers star quarterback will be just fine come April.

“I still see Hooker as the QB4 in the class,” stated McShay. “The 6-foot-4 senior suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in November, and while the injury will certainly impact his draft stock, I don’t think we will see a severe drop.

“Hooker was a Day 2 prospect for me even before the injury, and I still think that’s when he will get drafted — just a little bit later on Friday night than previously thought. Hooker reads the field really well, has a nice smooth delivery and knows how to layer the ball to receivers to set up yards after the catch. He only threw two interceptions this year while piling up 3,135 yards and 27 TD passes.”

Alas, while McShay recognizes there will definitely be a slight adjustment due to Hooker’s injury, the Tennessee quarterback is still right where he was before he was hurt. He’ll have plenty of suitors, and a chance to make his dreams come true at the next level.

More on Hendon Hooker, 2023 NFL Draft

Moreover, Hendon Hooker went from a general afterthought as it pertained to the NFL to a possible starting quarterback at the next level due to his phenomenal 2022 season.

The Tennessee star passed for 3,135 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and only two interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 430 yards and five touchdowns as well, proving he can use his legs when need be.

While Hendon Hooker was never going to push Bryce Young or CJ Stroud for the first overall quarterback taken due to his advanced age, he can still carve out a nice career at the next level in his season is an indicator. His college career didn’t end the way he would’ve liked, but the future is bright for Hendon Hooker.