After signing veteran Jacoby Brissett in free agency, the Washington Commanders were not expected to make a big quarterback move this offseason. However, head coach Ron Rivera didn’t rule out a quarterback early in the 2023 NFL draft.
Picking at No. 16 overall, the Commanders were out of range for one of the top four quarterbacks in the draft. The next-best prospect is widely considered to be Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. But many believed Hooker was slated to go somewhere in the second round.
That narrative around Hooker has changed recently. The former Virginia Tech and Tennessee passer was outstanding in his final two college seasons. He has reportedly crushed every meeting with NFL teams, from the Senior Bowl to the top 30 visits.
Could the Commanders and Hooker be a match?
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was present at Tennessee’s pro day last week. While Bieniemy could’ve been there to see first-round prospect offensive tackle Darnell Wright, would the offensive coordinator attend a pro day to visit an offensive line prospect?
As it turns out, the Commanders do have an interest in Hooker. Per John Keim of ESPN, Washington will use one of its top 30 draft visits with Hooker. He’s the only quarterback expected to come to Ashburn, which makes sense, considering the Commanders pick in the middle of the first round.
FWIW: Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker is scheduled to make a top-30 visit to Washington later this month, per league source.
— John Keim (@john_keim) April 4, 2023
Why is Hooker visiting?
This could be for a variety of reasons. It’s doubtful Hooker is the choice at No. 16, but what if Washington moved down in the first round or had a chance to move back into the bottom of the first round for Hooker. In that instance, the Commanders would have an updated medical history on Hooker, who tore his ACL late in the 2022 college football season.
Sam Howell and Brissett are expected to compete for Washington’s starting quarterback position in 2023. While Washington likes Howell, you never miss the chance to add a player you like.
For the Commanders who have struggled to find a franchise quarterback, you take as many chances as possible on finding your guy. If you like Hooker, you have him and Howell for the next few seasons and hope one emerges as the franchise guy.
