Getty Image / Michael Hickey
At the beginning of this year’s NFL offseason, there were expected to be 4 quarterbacks drafted in the first round and they were all projected in the top 10.
Over the last couple of months, there has been a 5th quarterback that has entered the conversation.
There have been reports about Hendon Hooker potentially being taken in round 1.
There are even some that believe there are teams who have him in their top 4 QBs.
Now one NFL insider has revealed he is expecting Hooker to be taken in Round 1.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport was asked whether he thinks Hendon Hooker is more likely to be drafted in the 1st round or 2nd round of this year’s draft and he revealed that he believes Hooker is more likely to be a Day 1 pick.
“To me, (it’s) more likely for Hendon Hooker to go in the first round.”@rapsheet discusses where the Tennessee QB could land with @movethesticks on DJ’s Draft Show 🎙
Full episode: https://t.co/aRowaHuqoO pic.twitter.com/IQ8OwB9v5s
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 14, 2023
Rapoport specifically named the Saints as a team that could end up taking Hooker because they have Derek Carr at quarterback right now, but could move on from him in 2 years, which would still give Hendon Hooker a long time to potentially start if he pans out.
The Saints aren’t the only team with a pick later in the 1st and a veteran quarterback they could be ready to replace in the near future.
The Minnesota Vikings have the 23rd pick and Kirk Cousins is only under contract for another year.
There are also teams like the Rams and Colts who could trade into the back of round 1 to try and land Hooker and get the 5th-year option on his rookie deal.
For any team that needs a QB and either doesn’t have an early pick or doesn’t trust Anthony Richardson or Will Levis, Hooker could be a solid option later in Round 1.