Will the Titans run it back with Ryan Tannehill in 2023? Maybe, but the franchise is keeping its options open ahead of April’s draft.
The Tennessee Titans were adamant that quarterback Ryan Tannehill will play for the team in 2023, but like any other NFL franchise, they need to do their due diligence on every player in the draft. And that includes the quarterback position.
With the 11th overall pick, the Titans are within batting distance of a young signal-caller, albeit it probably wouldn’t be top prospects Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.
If Tennessee are seriously poking around for Tannehill’s successor (or immediate replacement), they may not have to go far.
Tennessee local product Hendon Hooker poses as one of the more intriguing passers in this year’s draft class and would likely be available outside the top 10.
Hooker is reportedly heading to the Titans facility for a visit this week, and their meeting will only generate more speculation about what Tennessee plans to do with its first-round pick.
Titans could pluck a local talent like QB Hendon Hooker in April
Considered a tier below the likes of Young and Stroud, Hooker’s draft value has divided pundits. Some believe he has top-ten potential, others believe he should be taken in the third or fourth round.
The former Volunteer suffered a torn ACL last season and won’t be able to participate with his future team until training camp at the earliest. Hooker should recover in time for the start of the 2023 season but one can never be too sure, and in any case, it seems reckless to throw a developmental quarterback into the lion’s den in his rookie season.
Tennessee drafted a quarterback last year in Malik Willis, so going after Hooker would destroy any ounce of confidence Willis has left. And don’t expect Ryan Tannehill to help mentor the rookie.
After a disappointing 2022 season, the Titans made severe changes to get under the cap and are looking to regain control of the AFC South — if that means taking a quarterback that impresses them, then so be it.
Another Tennessee local product the franchise could be eyeing is wide receiver Jalin Hyatt, whose draft projection is also all over the place. Hooker’s and Hyatt’s Tennessee connection could give them an advantage over their peers, but it’s by no means the major factor.
