Washington Commanders: 3 options with the 16th pick in 2023 NFL Draft
3. Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
Before getting into this last option, it’s important to make something very clear. If developed properly, I believe that Sam Howell can be a quality starter in the NFL. My past articles should be proof of that opinion.
That being said, if the Washington Commanders want a chance at a franchise quarterback, then they have to consider Hendon Hooker from Tennessee. Before tearing his ACL last November, Hooker had the making of a top-10 pick. This past season, his stats back up that assertion.
Hooker 2022-23 stats
- 3,135 passing yards
- 69.6 completion percentage
- 27 touchdowns
- 2 interceptions
- 430 rushing yards.
Hooker was elite in college and if he fully recovers, he could be the same in the NFL. It should be noted that Reid didn’t have Hooker in his first-round mock draft, but ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum had Hooker going fifth overall to the Seahawks in his mock draft.
At 6-foot-4, Hooker has great size for the position and his stats speak for him. It should also be noted that the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was at Hooker’s pro day. That alone proves that there is interest from Washington’s perspective. Terence Watson of NFL Spin Zone also believes that Hooker is an option for the Commanders as well.
Whether it be in the first or second round, if Hooker gets drafted by D.C., he can take the full 2023-24 season to recover from his injury and won’t be rushed back because of the Commanders’ current depth of Howell and Jacoby Brissett. If both fail to impress then Washington can allow Hooker to come in. If Howell does impress, then they can look to trade Hooker for future draft capital. It’s a win-win for D.C.’s team.
Agree with this list? Comment below who you think the Washington Commanders should draft with the 16th pick.