Former Jets GM and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum is on the record that he believes Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker would’ve went first overall in this year’s draft had it not been for his ACL tear.
During Tuesday’s “SportsCenter Special,” Tannenbaum had Hooker going No. 5 to Seattle in his mock draft.
“I love this player. … He was unbelievably productive, especially against Alabama. I thought he played flawlessly. He has prototypical size… I don’t think there’s any holes in his game whatsoever,” Tannebaum said, via Awful Announcing.
Former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum selected Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker (25 years old; coming off torn ACL) 5th overall in an ESPN NFL mock draft.
“This would be a shocking first-round pick…. one of the more shocking high first-round picks in my history at 45 years.”- Mel Kiper Jr. pic.twitter.com/tqXE4WIzel
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) March 28, 2023
The NFL world reacted to his shocking pick on social media.
“This is exactly why he is a former NFL GM,” a user said.
This is exactly why he is a former NFL GM https://t.co/hvYFZVhL6M
— Sam Ali (@SamAliSports) March 28, 2023
“Ah wondered why Mike Tannenbaum & Hendon Hooker was trending together,” another tweeted. “Huh, ok then.”
Ah Wondered why Mike Tannenbaum & Hendon Hooker was trending together Huh Ok then https://t.co/zqP9Q6nvCR
— Cloudy Future (@CloudyFuture) March 28, 2023
“Oh I ain’t know this was a Chris Weinke situation,” a fan replied. “He 25?”
Oh I ain’t know this was a Chris Weinke situation, he 25? https://t.co/ZMq6mGwQLZ
— P40 🇵🇭 (@ISAAC4O8) March 28, 2023
“Tannenbaum botching mock drafts as on brand as he botched the real ones is some funny stuff.”
Tannenbaum botching mock drafts as on brand as he botched the real ones is some funny stuff.
— D.J. Strauss 🏈⛳️🏀🍺🥃🐬 (@djs2344) March 28, 2023
Todd McShay has Hooker slotted as a second-round selection.