NFL insider thinks Titans could take hometown product to replace Ryan Tannehill

The Tennessee Titans didn’t use their first-round pick on a quarterback, but an NFL insider hints they could select a local signal-caller on Day 2.

Entering the first night of the 2023 NFL Draft, there was buzz that the Tennessee Titans would try to make a move up to select a quarterback. That never came to fruition, as they instead stayed at the No. 11 spot and selected Northwestern offensive tackle Peter Skoronski.

It was a wise move for the Titans, considering the amount of changeover they had along the offensive line. But, the Titan do pick highly in the second round. Could they make a move for one of the remaining top quarterbacks available.

During a hit on NFL Network on Friday, national insider Ian Rapoport hinted that the Titans could make a move not for Kentucky’s Will Levis. Rather, he hinted that the team could opt to select Tennessee Volunteers Hendon Hooker.

“The Tennessee Titans would be an interesting one,” said Rapoport. “Obviously, they have Ryan Tannehill as the starting quarterback for next year. They did all of the quarterback homework. Hendon Hooker is obviously a local guy…my understanding is would’ve been a first rounder if not for the ACL. So he’s got to go to a team where he could wait and sit and whenever he’s ready, Tennessee actually makes a lot of sense. I know they were one of the teams that had some discussions about potentially trading up yesterday.”

NFL insider links Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker to Titans

The Volunteers quarterback getting selected by the Titans would be quite the story.

Hooker was a star at Tennessee this past season, as his play helped the team go a perfect 8-0 heading into a pivotal matchup against the Georgia Bulldogs. He was a legitimate Heisman Trophy candidate, but unfortunately suffered a torn ACL back on Nov. 19 against the South Carolina Gamecocks.

In 11 games played, Hooker threw for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions while completing 69.6-percent of his passes. Additionally, Hooker ran for 430 yards and five touchdowns on 104 carries.

This past Wednesday, Hooker’s doctor, Neal ElAttrache, sent a letter to all NFL teams indicating that he is on track to be fully cleared by the first weekend of the 2023 season.

The Titans have Ryan Tannehill under contract for one more season. With a new general manager in Ran Carthon, it does makes sense that the Titans draft a potential replacement option. Yes, they have Malik Willis, but he was selected by previous general manager Jon Robinson, who was fired by the team last season.

We will find out if the Titans select a quarterback on the second night of the draft on Friday, Apr. 28 at 7:00 p.m. ET.