2023 NFL Draft: Will Torn ACL Keep Hendon Hooker From Playing in Year 1?

The NFL Draft is on Thursday, and Hendon Hooker, 25, has been rising into the first round in a plethora of Mock Drafts. The former top-5 Heisman finalist and the former University of Tennessee quarterback had a career year before hurting his knee.

The 25-year-old suffered a torn left ACL making a cut on a read-option rush on November 19, underwent reconstructive surgery on December 13, and has said his goal is to be running by the end of March and to be 100% by training camp in July. 

According to the Pro Football Docs, even if he meets that recovery timeline, Hooker will essentially take a redshirt season in his first year to recover from the torn ACL. Also, he will need more time to be ready to participate in mandatory OTAs in May, which are essential for rookies.

So now, why would a 25-year-old quarterback be taken in the first round?

His talent.

Before the late-season injury, Hooker had 3,135 passing yards on 69.6% completion with 104 rushes for 430 yards and 32 total touchdowns.

Hooker helped the University of Tennessee take down Alabama for the first time since 2006. The victory was so stunning that the fans decided to storm the field.

This is the first time Hooker started to get first-round hype. But receiving from an ACL injury should be better for Hooker than a quarterback that relies on mobility to win.

Hooker is a dual-threat quarterback, having run over 500 times for 2,079 yards and 25 scores in 55 college games. But his playstyle is closer to Derek Carr than it is to Lamar Jackson.