New QB emerges as surprising top-five pick in former GM's mock draft

Hendon Hooker should be in play at fifth overall to Seattle in the 2023 NFL Draft on April 27. 

That's according to former NFL general manager Mike Tannenbaum's most recent mock draft for ESPN. But it would be a shocker if it comes to fruition.

While Hooker consistently ranks among the top five QBs in the 2023 draft class, few big boards have him anywhere close to the top 10. Some, including ones by ESPN, The Athletic and Pro Football Focus, don't even have Hooker among the top 50 prospects in this year's class.

There is a lot to like about Hooker, however. He was among the front-runners for the Heisman Trophy last season at Tennessee until he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee against South Carolina in November. 

He finished the season 229-of-329 (69.6 percent) for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions and led the Volunteers to their first win over Alabama since 2006.

The 33rd Team ranks him as the 20th-best prospect in the draft.

Still, it's hard to envision a 25-year-old rookie coming off an ACL tear having many suitors in the first round. NFL.com's draft profile of Hooker lists his NFL comp as Atlanta's Desmond Ridder. He was selected 74th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Seattle could address a bigger need at fifth and probably still select Hooker at 37th overall in the second round, if it's absolutely itching to have him. 

Hooker could be a steal in the second round. Using a top-five pick on him is a reach.

Yardbarker draft analyst Drae Harris pegs Hooker as a fourth-rounder.

"A number of factors make his transition to the NFL problematic," he wrote. "He's coming off an ACL injury to his left knee and may not be ready for on-field work until his second year in the NFL. When he escapes the pocket, his ball placement passing suffers, and he loses accuracy. Additionally, he must learn to protect himself better."