As a die-hard Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, I’m anxiously awaiting the upcoming NFL Draft, and one quarterback in particular has caught my eye: Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker. With Jameis Winston now in New Orleans, quarterback has become the team’s greatest need. Hooker is an incredibly accurate passer with a seemingly effortless throwing motion. He’s also a threat on the ground, having rushed for over 1,400 yards in his college career. If the Buccaneers have a shot at drafting Hooker, I hope they don’t let it pass them by.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFL Draft
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2021 NFL Draft is a crucial opportunity to build on their Super Bowl winning squad from last season. With Tom Brady aging and the uncertainties surrounding his future retirement, the Bucs need to focus on a contingency plan for their quarterback position. Currently, they have the likes of Blaine Gabbert, who is entering into free agency, and Ryan Griffin, with little experience under center. Therefore, the draft presents an opportunity to find a long-term replacement for Brady. In this article, we will explore the potential draft target for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the form of Tennessee Quarterback, Hendon Hooker.
Who is Hendon Hooker?
Hendon Hooker is a highly talented dual-threat quarterback who began his college career at Virginia Tech. In 2020, he transferred to the University of Tennessee to further his development and showcase his skills in the highly-competitive SEC conference. He completed 66.1% of his passes last season, with a total of nine touchdowns and only two interceptions in the eight matches he played.
What is impressive about Hooker’s game is his mobility and escape ability under pressure. He is a highly elusive quarterback with an excellent ability to extend plays and create opportunities for his teammates downfield. He rushed for a total of 620 yards last season, with five touchdowns and an average yards-per-carry of 5.6.
Why Should the Bucs Consider Drafting Hooker?
There are several reasons why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should consider drafting Hendon Hooker in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.
Firstly, Hooker presents an excellent opportunity to develop as an understudy to Tom Brady. With Brady entering the twilight of his career, the Bucs need a quarterback who can learn and develop under the guidance of one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Hooker is a talented quarterback who can benefit from Brady’s wealth of knowledge and experience, especially when it comes to reading defenses and making smart decisions under pressure.
Secondly, Hooker offers a unique dual-threat skill set that can open up new opportunities for the Buccaneers offense. He is an excellent passer, with strong fundamentals such as accuracy, ball placement, and touch on his throws. His mobility will also make him a challenging quarterback to defend against, especially for teams that lack the speed and athleticism to stop his rushing attack.
Thirdly, Hooker’s potential could be developed over time. Although he did not play a full season for the Tennessee Volunteers last year, his talent and potential were on display in the games he played. By drafting him, the Bucs can invest in a quarterback who has shown potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback in the future.
What are the Concerns with Hendon Hooker?
Like any player, there are concerns and risks that come with drafting Hendon Hooker. One of the primary concerns is his lack of experience at the college level. While he played in eight games last season, it is not enough to make a fair evaluation of his overall ability and readiness for the NFL.
Additionally, Hooker’s style of play raises durability concerns. His ability to rush and extend plays can make him susceptible to injury, which puts his availability for the team in question.
Lastly, the competition at the quarterback position in this year’s draft class is high. Several talented quarterbacks such as Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Trey Lance will be drafted in the first round, limiting the chances of the Bucs drafting Hendon Hooker.
Outlook for Hendon Hooker in the NFL Draft
Hendon Hooker has a lot to offer as a quarterback and could potentially be a valuable asset for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. However, his position in the draft is uncertain, and it is difficult to predict where he will be picked. Some mock drafts predict that he may be selected in the third or fourth round, while others believe he may go undrafted.
Ultimately, the Bucs will need to consider their priorities in the draft and decide if taking a quarterback is a necessary move. If they believe that Hooker has what it takes to develop into a top-tier quarterback and offer a unique skill set, then he should be considered as a viable option.
Conclusion
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers face a crucial decision in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. They will need to balance their immediate needs for a contingency plan at quarterback with their future aspirations for developing a long-term replacement for Tom Brady. Hendon Hooker presents several attractive qualities as a quarterback, with his dual-threat ability and potential to develop into a top-tier quarterback. However, there are also concerns with his lack of experience and durability. Ultimately, it will be up to the Bucs to decide if drafting him is the right move for their team.
