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University of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is gaining steam to be a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 25-year-old would be the oldest quarterback taken in the first round since the Cleveland Browns took the 28-year-old Brandon Weeden in round one in 2012.
However, Hooker is coming off a torn ACL from late November of 2022, so that could have an effect on his draft status and position in this week's draft.
Will Hooker be ready for training camp and what is his potential fantasy football outlook for 2023? Let's dive in.
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Hendon Hooker Injury Update For Fantasy Football
Hooker was leading the Heisman race with 32 total touchdowns to five interceptions before suffering a torn ACL in the loss to the South Carolina Gamecocks but was in the first-round discussion in the thick of his 2022 campaign.
However, Hooker said "I'm well beyond where I'm projected to be," speaking on his recovery from the major injury, and expects to be ready for training camp. That said, it's tough to take his word for it. Hooker would be foolish to say he won't be ready for training camp and the start of the 2023 NFL season -- as it would surely hurt his draft stock.
Just last year, former Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams said he'd be ready for training camp, but started the season on the PUP list and didn't play until Week 13.
Ultimately, Hooker has maintained the notion that he's ahead of schedule for months which is promising, but it's too early to know for sure if he'll be ready to go.
Hendon Hooker 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook
Hooker is currently projected to be drafted in the late-first or early-second round in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has met with the New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Detroit Lions, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, and Seattle Seahawks, among others.
If he lands in a spot like Washington or Tampa Bay where he can compete for the starting job right away, he could have an immediate impact on fantasy football. However, landing in Seattle, New Orleans, Minnesota, or Detroit would likely mean he will take a "redshirt" year and sit behind the team's starter in 2023.
There is a wide range of outcomes for the reigning SEC Offensive Player of the Year, so his landing spot will tell us a lot about his potential upside as a rookie signal-caller.
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