_Arizona Cardinals Draft Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, Not James Pearce, in Latest NFL Mock Draft_

_Arizona Cardinals Draft Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker, Not James Pearce, in Latest NFL Mock Draft_

 

The Arizona Cardinals are in need of a quarterback, and in the latest NFL mock draft from Sports Illustrated, they select Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker with the 16th overall pick.

 

Hooker, a senior quarterback from Germantown, Maryland, had a standout season for the Volunteers, throwing for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also rushed for 430 yards and five touchdowns, showcasing his dual-threat ability.

 

The Cardinals have been searching for a franchise quarterback since Carson Palmer retired in 2017. They’ve had a revolving door at the position, with Kyler Murray being the latest attempt. However, Murray’s injuries and inconsistent play have led to speculation that the Cardinals may look to draft a quarterback in the first round.

 

Hooker’s selection would be a significant departure from the Cardinals’ typical quarterback prototype. At 6’3″ and 217 pounds, Hooker is a more traditional pocket passer, whereas Murray is a smaller, more athletic quarterback.

 

However, Hooker’s arm talent, accuracy, and decision-making skills make him an attractive prospect for the Cardinals. He’s also shown the ability to read defenses and make adjustments at the line of scrimmage, which is essential for a quarterback in the NFL.

 

The Cardinals’ selection of Hooker would also be a nod to the team’s new coaching staff, led by head coach Jonathan Gannon. Gannon, a former defensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts, is known for his emphasis on quarterback play and his ability to develop young signal-callers.

 

While Hooker’s selection would be a surprise to some, it’s a move that would make sense for the Cardinals. They need a quarterback who can stabilize the position and provide a spark to the offense. Hooker’s skills and intangibles make him an attractive prospect, and he could be the answer to the Cardinals’ quarterback woes.

 

As for the rest of the mock draft, the top five picks were as follows:

 

1. Chicago Bears – Will Anderson Jr., EDGE, Alabama

2. Houston Texans – C.J. Stroud, QB, Ohio State

3. Arizona Cardinals – Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee

4. Indianapolis Colts – Anthony Richardson, QB, Florida

5. Seattle Seahawks – Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, Ohio State

 

The draft is still several weeks away, and a lot can change between now and then. However, Hooker’s selection by the Cardinals would be a move that would make sense for both parties.