Hendon Hooker is a disciplined, polished game general who can make all of the NFL-level throws as well as utilize his legs when necessary. Hooker’s throwing range goes from short, intermediate passes to throwing the ball deep, never compromising accuracy in the process. In the 2022 season, Hooker threw for 3135 yards and 27 touchdowns on an impressive 69.2% completion rate and a QB-rating of 123.9, throwing the ball with a quick release and a tight spiral.
Hooker is also impressive while on the move, always showing poise and composure while staring down the mouth of an attacking defense. His touch on intermediate and deep throws is immaculate, having the unique ability to drop the ball into the bucket on deep ball throws. His accuracy must also be emphasized, as he displays his strong arm in throwing high velocity balls into tight contested windows successfully, flashing great anticipation on short and deep outs, and leading receivers on deep go routes. His running ability is almost an afterthought, yet must also be highlighted, as he added 786 rushing yards on 6.1 yards per attempt last season before suffering a season-ending knee injury.
Speaking of the knee injury, many draft scouts have soured on the elite prospect, as many have him as a Day-2 prospect. Others are turned off from Hooker due to him being 25 years old– an age that many consider old for a quarterback with his style of play, as he has a tendency of prematurely taking off and running when forced outside of the pocket. Hooker’s throwing mechanics must also be polished entering the league, as he loses accuracy when he’s on the move.
There is no doubt that Hendon Hooker is the big unknown in this year’s draft, as draft projection experts across the board are not seeing eye to eye on where the dynamic, yet slightly damaged and maturely-aged quarterback will be selected. There are a great deal of folks who believe he will be selected in the 2nd round, while there are others on opposite ends of the spectrum that have a 1st-round projection or even as low as a fringe top-100 projection on the quarterback. If the Raiders are set on bringing in the quarterback of the future in this year’s draft, do not be surprised to see the Raiders hijack the draft in Kansas City by engineering a deal that would ensure the acquisition of Hendon Hooker. Get your popcorn ready, Raider Nation.
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