Big Board ranking: #44
Positional ranking: #4
Overview
Position: QB
College: Tennessee
Class: Senior (RS)
Age: 25
Measurables
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 217 lbs.
Arm length: 33”
Hand size: 10 1/2″
Athletic testing
40-yard dash: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Vertical jump: N/A
Broad jump: N/A
Bench press: N/A
3-cone drill: N/A
Short shuttle: N/A
Strengths
Extremely accurate thrower to all areas of the field. Very good arm strength. Throws a beautiful ball. Quick release. Possesses exceptional touch. Extremely comfortable throwing outside the numbers. Arcing deep ball that hits targets in stride. Very willing to push the ball downfield. Recognizes opportunities to attack over the top if safeties creep up. Excellent timing and anticipation on deeper posts and throwing through intermediate windows. Throws with zip on shorter in-breaking routes. Hits targets in stride across the middle. Delivers passes on the chest to stationary targets on quick-strike throws. Has flashed eye movement to look off defenders. Experience with RPO elements. Very good mobility and plus speed. Has the athleticism to escape when he sees pressure. Takes advantage when he sees room to run. Easily switches from scramble to throw when he recognizes an open target while escaping the pocket. Great on-the-move accuracy. Very effective on designed runs. Tough and slippery as a runner. Makes good decisions on zone reads. High intelligence and character.
Weaknesses
Locked onto one side of the field in a unique spread attack. Could speed up decision-making by a tick. Will hold and pat the ball with nothing open. Pocket presence and ball security need major improvement. Seems to aim some throws and will be inaccurate. Sails balls when throwing under pressure. Will get shaky with defenders around his feet. Needs to do a better job protecting himself as a runner. Coming off a torn ACL suffered in late November.
NFL comparison
Geno Smith
Conclusion
Overall, Hooker is an accurate quarterback who best fits in a spread offense that will attack opponents vertically. Even as an older prospect coming off an injury, he should be a strong option early on Day 2.