Battle Tested
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Battle Tested
Football IQ
The former Tennessee team captain is working his way back from a late ACL tear, but he posted monster production from 2021-2022.
In those two seasons Hooker threw 58 touchdowns and just five interceptions on 631 pass attempts. Per PFF, his turnover worthy plays went down from 9 in 2021 to just 4 in 2022. He carries a big frame and drives the ball outside the numbers. Deep passes are a different story as they have a lot of air under them, but he was still extremely effective pushing the ball down the field. On throws of 20+ yards he was 30/68 in his final season with 13 touchdowns and just one interception.
On top of his passing production, he added 566 rushing yards and five touchdowns last Fall. His big strides create build up speed that can catch a defense off guard. He needs to clean up ball security on the ground as he fumbled 7 times.
Where Hooker drastically needs to improve is under pressure. He was only pressured on 93 drop backs but sacked on 27 of those. His completion percentage on these downs was 51.2% and his YPA down to 6.9. He did flash the ability to dip his shoulder to avoid rushers, resetting into throwing mode.
Hooker is a polarizing quarterback prospect because he’s already 25 years old and coming off of a significant injury that could carry into his rookie season. His play speed when the heat is on needs to improve, leaving a developmental curve for an older prospect.
With that being said his management of the football, passing at all three levels when protected and rushing bonus are pro ready. Ideally he comes off the board in the second round and sits for the entire year, but he might not get that luxury.