Hendon Hooker is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. His name is picking up traction lately and has been a rumored 1st round draft possibility for the Minnesota Vikings. The Tennessee quarterback has been compared to Jalen Hurts, who was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 and became their starter in 2021. But how similar are they really? And can Hooker follow Hurts’ footsteps and succeed at the next level?
Hooker and Hurts have some obvious similarities. They are both dual-threat quarterbacks who can make plays with their legs and their arms. They both transferred from one Power 5 school to another after losing their starting jobs. Furthermore, they both led their teams to impressive seasons and bowl games in their final year of college.
Differences between Hendon Hooker and Jalen Hurts
There are notable differences between the two quarterbacks. Hooker is taller (6’4″ vs 6’1″) and heavier (222 lbs vs 218 lbs) than Hurts, which gives him an advantage in size and durability. He also has a stronger arm and a higher completion percentage (68% vs 63%) than Hurts did in college. Hooker threw for more yards (3,135 vs 2,780) and touchdowns (27 vs 23) than Hurts did in his final season, while throwing fewer interceptions (2 vs 8).
However, Hurts had more experience and success at the college level than Hooker. Hurts played four seasons at Alabama and Oklahoma, while Hooker played only two full seasons at Virginia Tech and Tennessee. He also won a national championship with Alabama in 2017 and was a Heisman Trophy finalist with Oklahoma in 2019. Additionally, Hurts also rushed for more yards (1,298 vs 620) and touchdowns (20 vs 5) than Hooker did in his final season.
Hendon Hooker has more physical tools and upside than Hurts had coming out of college. On the flip side, he is less polished and lacks consistency. Hurts has more intangibles and leadership qualities than Hooker, but he also has more limitations as a pure passer.
Both quarterbacks have shown that they can overcome adversity and thrive in different systems. Both quarterbacks have proven that they can win games at a high level of competition. One just needs to do it at the highest level.
Will both quarterbacks go on to have amazing NFL careers? Hooker will have to come swinging out of the gates as Jalen Hurts is coming off his first Super Bowl appearance.
