Mel Kiper takes stock of Hendon Hooker's NFL draft placement

Hooker has been one of the best stories in college football this season as he's led the Tennessee Volunteers to an 8-0 record and the No. 1 ranking in the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history.

Kiper gushed about what he's seen from the Volunteers QB.

"Hooker has moved I think into the late first-round discussion, at worst a second-rounder," said Kiper.

He also praised Hooker for not turning the ball over. Sometimes a small number of turnovers could mean a QB is playing it safe and not trying to do too much. Kiper says that hasn't been the case at all with Hooker.

"He's incredibly accurate. He doesn't make mistakes; he does not throw interceptions. Game manager? More than that. This guy is a great decision-maker," he said.

His stock should rise even more if Tennessee continues its remarkable run. The only reason he isn't higher on draft boards is his age. By the time of the 2023 NFL Draft, Hooker will be 25 and already older than several NFL quarterbacks. With younger talent such as C.J. Stroud and Bryce Young likely available, there's only so far Hooker can climb.

There are several NFL franchises that will be in the market for a quarterback in 2023. The Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Washington Commanders and the NFC South all need a franchise quarterback. Only two teams will get the two biggest fish, but as Hooker has demonstrated, he has the tools necessary to be a starter in the NFL.

Whoever lands Hooker might just have the steal of the draft.