Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Hendon Hooker discussed his pre-draft evaluation during Friday’s NFL Scouting Combine media session. Arguably the most divisive prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft, Hooker was historically productive throughout the 2022 campaign before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Despite his eye-popping statistical outputs, many have chosen to focus on Hooker’s injury, advancing age, and acclimation period to the NFL. Once considered a potential first-round quarterback, we’ve officially reached a point where Hooker is being underrated.

“I’m not just throwing five-yard outs,” Hooker said in defense of his 2022 performances. “I’m throwing big boy balls.”

We see no lies. Hooker led the entire nation in passing yards per attempt (9.5) and adjusted passing yards per attempt (10.9), per Sports Reference. Hooker’s 69.6% completion percentage led the SEC while also leading all conference quarterbacks in passing efficiency rating.

Hooker was directly responding to criticisms regarding the offensive system he operated under. Volunteers head coach Josh Heupel designed a quarterback-friendly system via a vertical spread tempo offense. It’s true that the vertical passing concepts aren’t translatable to NFL offenses. Hooker took advantage of manufactured spacing and was rarely asked to go through his progressions while feasting on predetermined throws. Development is required in these areas.

But just because Hooker hasn’t done something, doesn’t necessarily mean he can’t. Hooker entered an early-November contest against the Georgia Bulldogs with first-round hype at his back after throwing five touchdowns in a victory over Alabama that propelled Tennessee to the No. 1 seed in college football’s at-the-time playoff rankings.

Hooker unfortunately tore his ACL against South Carolina two short weeks later. The pre-draft landing narrative on Hooker quickly shifted from potential first-round prospect to day-three value selection. Do an injury and advancing age (25) make Hooker a fourth or fifth-round prospect? First-round hype ultimately proved to be premature, but perhaps we’ve traveled a little too far in the opposite direction.

Hooker threw for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just two interceptions in 11 regular-season appearances. Hooker finished fifth place in Heisman Trophy voting and was named First-Team All-SEC and earned SEC Offensive Player of the Year for his efforts. Tennessee’s 11 victories were the most for the program since 2001 and tied for the second-most in program history. Hooker was at the forefront of the program’s rebirth.

Hooker possesses excellent arm strength that’s capable of driving the ball vertically down the field. NFL general managers will appreciate Hooker’s advanced throwing mechanics, which are a telltale sign that his acclimation period may not be as steep as some believe. Hooker routinely delivered accurate balls to all three levels. Hooker is also a dual-threat quarterback that added 430 rushing yards and five touchdowns to his offensive totals.

Hooker won’t physically participate in athletic drills at the combine, which further clouds pre-draft judgments, but he remains ahead of his rehabilitation schedule. Discussing Hooker’s long-term potential has led to continuous disagreements. We’ve all gotten carried away. Don’t discard Hooker due to circumstances beyond his control. Don’t be shocked if Hooker gets drafted in the second or third round.