Report: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker to visit New York Giants on Wednesday
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reported Tuesday that former Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker is expected to visit the New York Giants on Wednesday. Hooker has already recently visited with various franchises like the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints, and Detroit Lions.
Just last month the Giants resigned quarterback Daniel Jones to a 4-year, $160 million deal, making it unlikely that New York would use their No. 25 overall pick in the first round to draft a quarterback. But regardless, the Giants are still hosting Hooker and gaining intel on one of the most unique quarterback prospects in the upcoming draft.
As a high school recruit, Hooker was a four-star recruit out of Dudley in Greensboro (N.C.). He was the No. 8 overall prospect in the state, the No. 25 quarterback in the class, and the No. 354 overall prospect in the class according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies
Hooker suffered a torn ACL on November 19, and is questionable to be able to play for any NFL franchise this upcoming season. His injury coupled with a character that many scouts have already raved about has likely led to so many visits for the former Volunteers quarterback.
Prior to his season-ending injury, Hooker was one of the most efficient and effective passers in the country, throwing for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just two interceptions. He was the model of efficiency, leading the nation in quarterback rating with an 89.5 rating. Hooker was also able to make it happen with his legs, rushing for 430 yards and five scores on the ground following two consecutive 600-yard rushing seasons.
At Tennessee’s pro day two weeks ago Hooker gave an update on his recovery saying, “So the next checkpoint is in a week and a half and get to drop back,” Hooker said. “Actually take some actual drops, but I feel good. Just coming out here and being able to be back on the field and throw it to my guys has been a blast.”
If Hooker is still on schedule, he should be making drop back passes at this point in time.
One of the biggest what-ifs of the 2023 NFL Draft will be if Hooker didn’t suffer from his serious knee injury. But regardless, many teams, now including the New York Giants, have expressed some kind of interest in the quarterback and are trying to gather as much information as possible regarding the status of his health.