We’re officially almost two weeks away from the NFL draft, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been mocked numerous players to address their needs — the most controversial of which is quarterback.
The Draft Network’s Jack McKessy had the Bucs addressing that need in the website’s latest mock, but not with Kentucky QB Will Levis as many mocks have in the past. This time, it’s another SEC QB in Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, who The Draft Network’s own scouting report puts at a fourth-round value.
Baker Mayfield is not the long-term answer at quarterback, and considering that the Buccaneers even signed him, they don’t view Kyle Trask as the answer either. Hendon Hooker could miss part of the 2023 season as he recovers from his ACL tear but can use the year to develop behind Mayfield as a bridge quarterback. The Tennessee product has clean mechanics, good mobility with his big frame, and good arm strength that will all serve to make him a valuable potential successor to Brady (or Mayfield, technically) in Tampa. Drafting him here in the first round would also give the Buccaneers the chance to exercise a fifth-year option down the road to get a full four years of film.
The Bucs drafting Hooker at No. 19 would be a surprise, but not entirely unprecedented. The team pinned Hooker for a pre-draft visit, so there is clearly some interest there, but the pick itself would be the biggest shock. Hooker is coming off an ACL tear and has questions regarding his ability to run an NFL-style offense, so him going that high could be a turn of events on draft night.
Hooker threw for 27 TDs, two INTs and 3,135 yards in his senior year with the Volunteers.
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