Dane Brugler's 2023 Draft Guide

[SNAFU]

He does a comprehensive scouting report and projected draft grade of over 400 draft eligible players. Here is a very brief summary for each of Tennessee's players.

Jeremy Banks, LB- "Banks leaves too much production on the field, and the character interviews will be crucial to his draft grade, but he maneuvers well in the front seven to be a downhill force player. His tools should translate well to special teams." Grade 6-7th round

Paxton Brooks, P- 5th punter out of 20 graded. Grade Priority FA

Jerome Carvin, OL- "Carvin is able to control his man when he stays on schedule, but his chaotic technique leads to balance issues. His versatile experience helps his NFL chances." Grade Priority FA

Hendon Hooker, QB- "Hooker must refine his internal clock and progression reads, but his instinctive athleticism, football character and poised decision-making amid chaos are appealing traits. He projects as a developmental passer with down-the-road starting potential, as long as his knee is healthy" Grade 2nd round (pick 49 projected)

Jalin Hyatt, WR- "Hyatt isn’t a well-rounded receiver and won’t become one overnight, but he is exceptional in two key areas (easy speed and confident ball skills), and his potential for an explosive play at any moment changes the way defenses prepare. In the right role, he can be a productive home-run hitter for an NFL offense." Grade 1-2nd round (pick 31 projected)

Cedric Tillman, WR- "Tillman might be limited to a linear route tree, but he is a big target with the acceleration, play strength and ball skills to exploit perimeter matchups. He has NFL starting traits as an X and should develop into a solid No. 2/3." Grade 2-3rd round (pick 57 projected)

Darnell Wright, OL- "Wright will get himself into trouble when he sacrifices technique for his nasty demeanor, but he naturally defaults to his raw power and body control to consistently win in both the run and passing game. He is a plug-and-play right tackle, and some teams have him on their draft board as a starting guard." Grade 1-2nd round (pick 24 projected)

Byron Young, DL - "Young can be engulfed in the run game, and his rush stalls too quickly at contact, but his energy and pass-rush flashes lead to backfield plays. Though he has limitations in the run game, he has the potential to make a living as a glorified sub-rusher in the NFL. " Grade 3-4th round

 

[b_gann]

He does a comprehensive scouting report and projected draft grade of over 400 draft eligible players. Here is a very brief summary for each of Tennessee's players.

Jeremy Banks, LB- "Banks leaves too much production on the field, and the character interviews will be crucial to his draft grade, but he maneuvers well in the front seven to be a downhill force player. His tools should translate well to special teams." Grade 6-7th round

Paxton Brooks, P- 5th punter out of 20 graded. Grade Priority FA

Jerome Carvin, OL- "Carvin is able to control his man when he stays on schedule, but his chaotic technique leads to balance issues. His versatile experience helps his NFL chances." Grade Priority FA

Hendon Hooker, QB- "Hooker must refine his internal clock and progression reads, but his instinctive athleticism, football character and poised decision-making amid chaos are appealing traits. He projects as a developmental passer with down-the-road starting potential, as long as his knee is healthy" Grade 2nd round (pick 49 projected)

Jalin Hyatt, WR- "Hyatt isn’t a well-rounded receiver and won’t become one overnight, but he is exceptional in two key areas (easy speed and confident ball skills), and his potential for an explosive play at any moment changes the way defenses prepare. In the right role, he can be a productive home-run hitter for an NFL offense." Grade 1-2nd round (pick 31 projected)

Cedric Tillman, WR- "Tillman might be limited to a linear route tree, but he is a big target with the acceleration, play strength and ball skills to exploit perimeter matchups. He has NFL starting traits as an X and should develop into a solid No. 2/3." Grade 2-3rd round (pick 57 projected)

Darnell Wright, OL- "Wright will get himself into trouble when he sacrifices technique for his nasty demeanor, but he naturally defaults to his raw power and body control to consistently win in both the run and passing game. He is a plug-and-play right tackle, and some teams have him on their draft board as a starting guard." Grade 1-2nd round (pick 24 projected)

Byron Young, DL - "Young can be engulfed in the run game, and his rush stalls too quickly at contact, but his energy and pass-rush flashes lead to backfield plays. Though he has limitations in the run game, he has the potential to make a living as a glorified sub-rusher in the NFL. " Grade 3-4th round

All seem spot on

 

[FBtime]

As a Bengals fan I am hoping Wright lasts until pick 29! He would be perfect bookend to go with Orlando Brown on oeft side.

 

[TNVOLFN]

All seem spot on

I think this is a great assessment of everyone, the only minor disagreement I have is "Hooker must refine his internal clock and progression reads..."

That could probably be said about any QB entering the NFL, but I don't know if that is a shot at CJH's system or what.

 

[SpookyAction]

I think this is a great assessment of everyone, the only minor disagreement I have is "Hooker must refine his internal clock and progression reads..."

That could probably be said about any QB entering the NFL, but I don't know if that is a shot at CJH's system or what.

I suspect it is a criticism of his tendency not to throw the ball away when appropriate. Again, extremely accurate assessment of Hooker.

 

[turbovol]

I assume by saying that Hooker must "refine his internal clock," the guy means that he'll have to learn to get rid of the ball more quickly,
which is, yes, something he and all QBs coming out of college must adjust to. You can't stand in the pocket and look around for 5 seconds
like you often can in college. It's all about quick, sound decision-making--finding the right target--and being accurate. I still have trouble understanding
how Levis is supposed to be a slightly better prospect---he can't just be his big arm. The list of big-armed QBs who failed in the NFL is long.

 

[NeverWe'llSever]

People saying Hooker isn’t a first round pick, but Levis and Richardson are really screws with my head.

 

[ManchesterVol03]

This dude seems lower on UT Players than most. I think Hendon, Hyatt, and Wright could all be 1st rounders while Young and Cedric are solid 2nd rounders. I think Cedric may be the steal of the draft.

 

[Sea Ray]

Hendon Hooker has a lot of things going against him, all of which are out of his control. His age, injury and the system he played in. That adds up to "project" as in nothing real soon. He could easily be 27 before he starts in the NFL and that's if things go real smoothly. Those kind of guys generally aren't ever good starting QBs in the NFL

 

[Vol49er]

As a Bengals fan I am hoping Wright lasts until pick 29! He would be perfect bookend to go with Orlando Brown on oeft side.

As a Niners fan, wouldn't mind Byron Young at the bottom of the third

 

[Caspian]

With the QB position being such a high-profile leadership role within the team, it seems to me that an NFL team would value the fact that Hooker is older and more mature than a typical 22 year old college graduate. Rookie QB's don't normally start for a couple of years. And a team normally gets maybe 5 or 6 years out of a QB before moving on. That would put a mature Hooker starting at age 27 and playing until age 32. That seems like a nice window.

 

[SNAFU]

Brugler went 5 paragraphs scouting Hooker’s strengths and weaknesses. The internal clock weakness was in the same vein as Hooker’s “slow” identification of blitzes.

 

[JohnnyJava]

People saying Hooker isn’t a first round pick, but Levis and Richardson are really screws with my head.

I think Levis will be a 1st round pick. I also think there will be a team very disappointed in having wasted a first round pick on him.

 

[Carp]

I assume by saying that Hooker must "refine his internal clock," the guy means that he'll have to learn to get rid of the ball more quickly,
which is, yes, something he and all QBs coming out of college must adjust to. You can't stand in the pocket and look around for 5 seconds
like you often can in college. It's all about quick, sound decision-making--finding the right target--and being accurate. I still have trouble understanding
how Levis is supposed to be a slightly better prospect---he can't just be his big arm. The list of big-armed QBs who failed in the NFL is long.

I think he's fallen down draft boards while Hooker had moved up. The positives he has over Hooker are age, size, arm strength, and coming from a Pro-style offense. But with the NFL adopting more RPO schemes into their offenses, I don't think the Pro-Style offense attribute is as big of advantage as it used to be. Hurts, Murray, and Lamar are proof of that.

 

[Carp]

Hendon Hooker has a lot of things going against him, all of which are out of his control. His age, injury and the system he played in. That adds up to "project" as in nothing real soon. He could easily be 27 before he starts in the NFL and that's if things go real smoothly. Those kind of guys generally aren't ever good starting QBs in the NFL

A team with an older established QB would do well to draft Hooker and let him sit year 1. Minny, LA Rams, and Seattle come to mind. I would say Tennessee, but I feel like they will trade up for Stroud if he falls to 3 and trade Tanne.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I think Levis will be a 1st round pick. I also think there will be a team very disappointed in having wasted a first round pick on him.

Yep. Richardson and Levis are top 10 picks. I could easily see both of them being busts.

 

[WoodsmanVol]

I think our Vols will end up drafted higher than most people assume. A tribute to our staff's development acumen.
I found Eli Mannings' assessment of Bryce interesting. I was hoping he'd have an indepth take on Hooker, but...
Eli Manning Names The One NFL Draft QB Who Could Start In Week 1

 

[b_gann]

I think this is a great assessment of everyone, the only minor disagreement I have is "Hooker must refine his internal clock and progression reads..."

That could probably be said about any QB entering the NFL, but I don't know if that is a shot at CJH's system or what.

Probably a bit of both. I thought Hooker was fine and that’s about it. Some good and some bad. Decent runner. Nailed some throws and missed some throws. I think if we get a high end talent at qb we will set every record book there is. Milton would even knock Hooker out of the water if he put it all together. Hopefully Nico is the best of both worlds.

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I think Wright will be our only first rounder. Hooker should be but but he and Hyatt are second round picks. Carvin will likely go undrafted. Young probably in the 4-5 rounds. Tillman in the third. If Banks gets drafted probably won’t be until the 6-7 round. That’s still pretty good for Heupels 3rd year.

 

[EconVol92]

I’ve seen Levi’s play twice and both times were against a Tennessee defense that has been nowhere near elite.

I can’t say he impressed me at all either time.

How is he considered a first round pick?

 

[BigOrangeTrain]

I’ve seen Levi’s play twice and both times were against a Tennessee defense that has been nowhere elite.

I can’t say he impressed me at all either time.

How is he considered a first round pick?

He is not only a first round pick he is a top 10 pick. The only thing Levis really has over say Hooker is arm strength and size. But he isn’t anywhere near as good as Hooker when it comes to pure QB playing.

 

[pimo1]

Hendon Hooker has a lot of things going against him, all of which are out of his control. His age, injury and the system he played in. That adds up to "project" as in nothing real soon. He could easily be 27 before he starts in the NFL and that's if things go real smoothly. Those kind of guys generally aren't ever good starting QBs in the NFL

Actually, a lot of QBs start off their careers late. Kurt Warner was 28 when he made his first start and had a 12 year career...There are also the Warren Moons, Dough Fluties and so on. reality is there are a lot more Good QB's over 27 than under it. Last year only 12 of the 32 teams had Regular starting QB's under 25 meaning the guy that started the most games for them. Even more interesting if you cut the list right in half 1-16 are all 26 or older. People act like he is 35 not 25....There are guys playing till 40 on a fairly regular basis and high level these days. That means even if he got his first start at 27 hed have a good 13 years to contribute and probably last longer because of more tread on the tires. He will be 27 with less hits on him than most 23-year-olds and a lot more knowledge.

Outside of his injury, I think it is clear of all the QB's in the draft Hooker has the highest floor and nowhere near the lowest ceiling. He has proven he can put in the work and grow rapidly hes just a late bloomer.

1. Tom Brady, 44 (Bucs)
2. Aaron Rodgers, 38 (Packers)
3. Matt Ryan, 36 (Colts)
4. Matthew Stafford, 34 (Rams)
5. Ryan Tannehill, 33 (Titans)
6. Kirk Cousins, 33 (Vikings)
7. Russell Wilson, 33 (Broncos)
8. Derek Carr, 31 (Raiders)
9. Carson Wentz, 29 (Commanders)
10. Dak Prescott, 28 (Cowboys)
11. Marcus Mariota, 28 (Falcons)
12. Jameis Winston, 28 (Saints)
13. Mitch Trubisky, 27 (Steelers)
14. Jared Goff, 27 (Lions)
15. Deshaun Watson, 26 (Browns)
16. Patrick Mahomes, 26 (Chiefs)
17. Josh Allen, 25 (Bills)
18. Drew Lock, 25 (Seahawks)
19. Joe Burrow, 25 (Bengals)
20. Lamar Jackson, 25 (Ravens)
21. Daniel Jones, 24 (Giants)
22. Sam Darnold, 24 (Panthers)
23. Kyler Murray, 24 (Cardinals)
24. Tua Tagovailoa, 24 (Dolphins)
25. Justin Herbert, 24 (Chargers)
26. Jalen Hurts, 23 (Eagles)
27. Mac Jones, 23 (Patriots)
28. Davis Mills, 23 (Texans)
29. Justin Fields, 23 (Bears)
30. Zach Wilson, 22 (Jets)
31. Trevor Lawrence, 22 (Jaguars)
32. Trey Lance, 21 (49ers)

 

[Winchester73]

Actually, a lot of QBs start off their careers late. Kurt Warner was 28 when he made his first start and had a 12 year career...There are also the Warren Moons, Dough Fluties and so on. reality is there are a lot more Good QB's over 27 than under it. Last year only 12 of the 32 teams had Regular starting QB's under 25 meaning the guy that started the most games for them. Even more interesting if you cut the list right in half 1-16 are all 26 or older. People act like he is 35 not 25....There are guys playing till 40 on a fairly regular basis and high level these days. That means even if he got his first start at 27 hed have a good 13 years to contribute and probably last longer because of more tread on the tires. He will be 27 with less hits on him than most 23-year-olds and a lot more knowledge.

Outside of his injury, I think it is clear of all the QB's in the draft Hooker has the highest floor and nowhere near the lowest ceiling. He has proven he can put in the work and grow rapidly hes just a late bloomer.

1. Tom Brady, 44 (Bucs)
2. Aaron Rodgers, 38 (Packers)
3. Matt Ryan, 36 (Colts)
4. Matthew Stafford, 34 (Rams)
5. Ryan Tannehill, 33 (Titans)
6. Kirk Cousins, 33 (Vikings)
7. Russell Wilson, 33 (Broncos)
8. Derek Carr, 31 (Raiders)
9. Carson Wentz, 29 (Commanders)
10. Dak Prescott, 28 (Cowboys)
11. Marcus Mariota, 28 (Falcons)
12. Jameis Winston, 28 (Saints)
13. Mitch Trubisky, 27 (Steelers)
14. Jared Goff, 27 (Lions)
15. Deshaun Watson, 26 (Browns)
16. Patrick Mahomes, 26 (Chiefs)
17. Josh Allen, 25 (Bills)
18. Drew Lock, 25 (Seahawks)
19. Joe Burrow, 25 (Bengals)
20. Lamar Jackson, 25 (Ravens)
21. Daniel Jones, 24 (Giants)
22. Sam Darnold, 24 (Panthers)
23. Kyler Murray, 24 (Cardinals)
24. Tua Tagovailoa, 24 (Dolphins)
25. Justin Herbert, 24 (Chargers)
26. Jalen Hurts, 23 (Eagles)
27. Mac Jones, 23 (Patriots)
28. Davis Mills, 23 (Texans)
29. Justin Fields, 23 (Bears)
30. Zach Wilson, 22 (Jets)
31. Trevor Lawrence, 22 (Jaguars)
32. Trey Lance, 21 (49ers)

I agree with you. I believe the age argument hinges on the true/false assumption that he’s AHEAD of the guys 2 years younger as far as development. And that he’s closer to his ceiling and will have less room for development. Most QBs can and will improve into their mid 30s barring injury - and most of that improvement comes with AGE and time in the seat. I wouldn’t think twice about drafting him where age is concerned. He has character as well. Now would I take him ahead of a couple of the others, I'm not sure - definitely ahead of Levis. The injury will be a factor foe some teams.

 

[pimo1]

I agree with you. I believe the age argument hinges on the true/false assumption that he’s AHEAD of the guys 2 years younger as far as development. And that he’s closer to his ceiling and will have less room for development. Most QBs can and will improve into their mid 30s barring injury - and most of that improvement comes with AGE and time in the seat. I wouldn’t think twice about drafting him where age is concerned. He has character as well. Now would I take him ahead of a couple of the others, I'm not sure - definitely ahead of Levis. The injury will be a factor foe some teams.

I see that point and it would be a good one except his floor is really high...the only 2 real valid questions about him are the injury and is he a product of the Huepel system. To the first question I say meh.. hes a QB he is mobile but hes not a Lamar Jackson Mike Vic type. The knee will be fine. As far as the system thing. The one thing i see most people knocking most about it is he only has to read half the feild. But I have heard it said by many coaches, and it passes the logic test, That's all any QB does unless a play breaks totally down and they are scrambling for their lives. Most QB's take their first 2 reads and the check-down at that point they are either throwing it away, tucking and running or scrambling looking for someone open. In the UT system they just make it that much simpler by most plays telling the 2 guys on the other side of the field to take it easy. Those guys arent the planned targets but if it comes down to a scramble drill they are gonna fight to get open. I think those saying cant read the feild is silly and overblown.

If I am a team expecting to compete in the playoffs in the next 2-3 years I have hooker as my 3rd QB on my board. If im a team stuck in purgatory and just desperate for a QB I take Richardson over him. Levis to me is the biggest gamble of the top 5 QB's. If he pulls a Josh Allen oh boy. But, it's more likely hes a Heath Shuler...he gets put in the fire too early and it all goes sideways. I know folks are gonna get mad but that's who he reminds me of most... way less athletic below the waist but above the waist he is Heath Shuler. DE's in his division are gonna set career sack numbers.