NEW YORK — The Giants’ pre-draft visit list hasn’t contained any surprises.
Until now.
Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker is visiting the Giants on Wednesday, according to NFL Network.
Hooker, 25, tore the ACL in his left knee on Nov. 18 against South Carolina, so he might not be able to play at all as an NFL rookie.
The Giants aren’t an obvious NFL draft quarterback suitor, either.
They just re-signed Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract extension, and they have veteran backup Tyrod Taylor under contract on a $6.9 million cap hit for 2023.
But the 6-3, 217-pound Hooker is an intriguing talent who many believe could be drafted in the first round despite his injury.
A team could trade up into the back of the first round to get Hooker on a contract that includes a fifth-year option, for example, to buy time in his development.
The Giants hold the No. 25 overall pick and have gaping needs on their rebuilding roster at positions such as corner, interior offensive line and receiver.
Could they shock the world and take a rookie QB in round one? It’s more likely they’re gathering first-hand medical and football information on an intriguing prospect in the unlikely event he falls.
Maybe they could be the trade back team who attracts a QB suitor to move up and get Hooker.
It’s also possible the Giants could be doing indirect homework on Tennessee’s two receivers in this draft: the downfield threat Jalin Hyatt and the physical Cedric Tillman.
Hooker was having a monster season leading the nation’s top offense in 2022 before his injury.
He was named SEC offensive player of the year after throwing for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns to only two interceptions in 11 starts, with a 69.6 completion percentage, and rushing for 430 yards and five TDs.
He led the country in yards per pass attempt (9.53) and finished second in pass efficiency (175.5).
Hyatt, 21, a junior, led the Volunteers with 67 catches for 1,267 yards and 15 TDs. Tillman, 22, missed a lot of time in his redshirt senior season due to injuries, but in 2021 he caught 64 balls for 1,081 yards and 12 TDs.
Here’s betting, despite Hooker’s visit, that the Giants remain more focused on finding Jones more weapons than on drafting someone to replace him.
It never hurts to do due diligence at the sport’s most important position, though, either.
