2023 NFL Mock Draft: Surprise quarterback enters Round 1
By Randy Gurzi
player. Pick Analysis. Tennessee. 8. 10. Scouting Report. QB. Hendon Hooker
8. Houston Texans (via Cleveland Browns): Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Once again, Houston has two picks in the opening round thanks to their Deshaun Watson trade, and this time, they decide to replace their former starting quarterback. Their choice is Hendon Hooker, the Tennessee signal-caller who has taken off over the past two seasons.
After spending three seasons at Virginia Tech, Hooker transferred to Tennessee and has 4,377 yards with 41 touchdowns and just three picks. He’s also rushed for 847 yards and eight touchdowns for the Vols.
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The only downside is that he’s going to be 25 next season, but he’s still talented enough to land in the opening round and Houston can feel much better about their chances with a legit quarterback.
South Carolina. 9. player. 46. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. CB. Cam Smith
9. Indianapolis Colts: Cam Smith, CB, South Carolina
Stephon Gilmore signed a two-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason and has been playing at a high level. Here, they add Cam Smith — also from South Carolina like Gilmore — to play across from him. That pairing will give them a potential shutdown duo while also allowing them to have a No. 1 corner even after their current Gamecock decides to call it a career, or head elsewhere.
The Colts have put a lot of time into rebuilding their defense and the 6-foot-1, 187-pound Smith could be a real difference-maker.