NFL analyst compares Hendon Hooker to Jacoby Brissett, Daniel Jones combo
Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker is an interesting NFL Draft prospect. There are some, like former GM and current analyst Mike Tannenbaum, who think he should be a top-10 pick. Others aren’t so sure.
Now, NFL Draft analyst Cynthia Frelund has an interesting comparison for Hendon Hooker — he’s like a combination of Jacoby Brissett and Daniel Jones.
“Hooker combines Brissett’s ability to execute and read progressions with Jones’ throwing velocity,” Frelund wrote.
Prior to tearing his ACL, Hendon Hooker was having a phenomenal season and was making a good case to win the Heisman Trophy. This has made assessing him difficult to do at times. However, Frelund had a method for how she came to that comparison. She is using a context-based model that is designed to add an extra layer of context to comparison for players.
“His season was ended prematurely by a torn ACL in November, but he still registered the second-highest passer rating (123.9), the second-best rate of turnover-worthy plays (1.0%) and the most passing yards per attempt (9.5) in the FBS last season, per PFF,” Frelund continued.
“Hooker used play-action on 53.5 percent of dropbacks (third-highest rate in the FBS) last season and posted the sixth-highest passer rating when using it (133.1); he also threw 18 TDs against just one interception (fifth-best rate) on such passes. Performance in a clean pocket can help approximate the best-case scenario for a QB, and Hooker’s passer rating in this situation (130.2), per computer vision, was the third-best in this class.”
Ultimately, Cynthia Frelund came to the conclusion that the Atlanta Falcons are the best fit for Hendon Hooker.
“This one surprised me a bit. However, Atlanta’s O-line includes three former first-round picks, while coach Arthur Smith is exceptional with run concepts; both factors forecast to drive smart uses of play-action, which is the key to unlocking Hendon at the next level, whenever he’s ready to return to the field.”
Hendon Hooker says it’s a blessing to be under the microscope
While not everyone might love to be under the microscope that is the NFL Draft process, Hendon Hooker says that it’s been a blessing.
“It’s a blessing, just to be talked about in the draft. Something that I’ve been striving to be my whole life — just in the draft and be acknowledged for my play and my character and my football IQ, as well. I see it. It’s inevitable to see it. I’ll be sitting at lunch and they’ll have TV screens around and ESPN is on. I see myself on there and it’s a huge blessing,” Hooker said.
“And I just continue to work, continue to put in time and effort into my craft and what I love to do on a daily basis. And that’s just learn to be a better person and a better player every day.”