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Detroit Lions drafted University of Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker in Friday’s 2023 NFL Draft’s third round. Hooker was chosen with the 68th overall pick, making him their highest-drafted QB since 2009.
Brad Holmes, Detroit’s general manager, explained why he picked Hooker in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, despite concerns about his torn ACL and the style of offense he played during his time in Tennessee.
While on the sideline at Neyland Stadium during the University of Tennessee’s win over Florida, Holmes observed Hooker’s performance and was impressed with his skill set.
“Regardless of what offense he was running, it was just the way he was playing… Things I saw in that live game, you can’t see on tape,” Holmes said.
Hooker completed 22 of 28 passes for two touchdowns and no interceptions and rushed for 112 yards and one TD, leading Holmes to conclude that Hooker is immensely talented.
After seeing Hooker play and spending time with him to discuss the offense, Holmes was convinced that Hooker was the right pick for the Lions.
Hooker was the 2022 SEC Offensive Player of the Year, an All-American and a Heisman Trophy candidate. He demonstrated exceptional efficiency and decision-making skills while leading the No. 1 offense in college football.
Despite being sidelined by a knee injury during pre-draft workouts, Hooker’s leadership qualities and work ethic elevated his draft stock. Hooker even broke former football player Peyton Manning’s school records for completion percentage and passing efficiency.
Hooker is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered during his sophomore year at Virginia Tech. The injury occurred during the season’s third game against Old Dominion in 2019.
Yet, there are lingering questions surrounding Hooker’s ability to replicate his success in college at the professional level, prompting doubts about his potential as a franchise quarterback. Some have suggested that he may be better suited as a system quarterback.
Despite doubts, Holmes looks forward to seeing Hooker’s potential, even though he acknowledges that he must adjust to a new scheme as a rookie quarterback.
He maintains that the team has the right environment for Hooker to develop and learn from more experienced quarterbacks like Jared Goff and Nate Sudfeld.
Goff is currently the franchise’s starting player. As he is set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2024 season, the selection of Hooker could be a forward-thinking move by the franchise.
Hooker has said he is eager to learn from Goff and will be a receptive “sponge” under his tutelage. He acknowledged Goff’s experience and success in the league and hoped to improve his skills by following in his footsteps.
“I’m definitely going to be picking his brain as much as I can,” Hooker said. “I’m going to get annoying to him a little bit, but I’m just that type of person. I just want to get in and do my job and continue to get better day by day.”
During his time with the Los Angeles Rams, Goff was named to the Pro Bowl twice and led the team to the Super Bowl in 2018, where they lost to the New England Patriots.
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