“NFL Draft 2022: Will Levis and Hendon Hooker’s unexpected draft experience”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Will Levis did not stay in Kansas City to hear his name spoken by Commissioner Roger Goodell after being passed over in the first round of the NFL Draft. He wouldn’t have waited long.

The Tennessee Titans traded for the second-round pick and selected the 33rd-ranked quarterback from the University of Kentucky on Friday.

Levis expected to be picked in the top-15 and some pundits even anticipated that a team would give him a chance in the top-5. Days before the draft, bookmakers had made Levis the favorite to be the second quarterback to hear his name after Bryce Young.

But Young was picked No. 1 by the Carolina Panthers, and then CJ Stroud was the No. 2 pick of the Houston Texans. Anthony Richardson was then drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth overall. Levis showed patience, but after the Titans passed him off at 11th overall, the rest of the night was very long. Television cameras often showed Levis alongside his girlfriend and family, staring at his phone.

The Titans didn’t ignore him a second time. They signed to the Arizona Cardinals to get their future quarterback.

For his part, Hendon Hooker of the University of Tennessee waited until the third round before being selected by the Detroit Lions, who took him 68th overall. Hooker had knee surgery this offseason and the Lions are counting on Jared Goff, who was invited to the Pro Bowl for the third time in his career this winter.

Levis has all the physical qualities required to be successful. However, his accuracy and decision-making left something to be desired at times last season, when he struggled with injuries.

The Titans can be patient with Levis. Veteran Ryan Tannehill is still under contract and they also drafted Malik Willis in the third round last year.

Hooker, like Levis, was among the favorites to be selected early in the first round. However, he is 25 years old and recovering from an operation to repair a ligament in his knee.

He was considered the best passer to deep areas available in the draft. Hooker can also extend plays thanks to his mobility and he is a good point guard. He had just five interceptions with the University of Tennessee but had 22 fumbles.

Day two of the draft began when the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Joey Porter Jr. His father, Joey Porter, played eight seasons with the Steelers and was invited to the Pro Bowl three times.

The Kansas City Chiefs offered a new target to star quarterback Pat Mahomes, choosing SMU receiver Rashee Rice at 55th overall.