The Detroit Lions drew mixed reviews for how they attacked the 2023 NFL Draft. Many people docked them for selecting players way too early compared to their perceived value, while others loved what they did. While the valuations may have been off in the eyes of some, there is no denying that the Lions added some very good football players to their roster.
Some of those players, such as first-round picks running back Jahmyr Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell, will be contributing right from the start. Others, however, won’t be chipping in any time soon but their futures are still bright.
Quarterback Hendon Hooker would fall into the latter. A third-round pick by the Lions out of Tennessee, Hooker tore his ACL on November 19th. That means he will essentially be having a redshirt season as a rookie in the NFL, but there is a chance that some on-field work will be done as he is progressing well in his rehab.
“I’m really just taking it day-by-day and continuing to build my body back up to where I want it to be and even better,” Hooker said on Saturday when talking to Cora Hall of the Knoxville News Sentinel. (H/T NFL.com)
Hooker didn’t participate at all in Detroit’s offseason program as he continued his injury rehab. But, on a positive note, he was able to progress to throwing on air last month.
There is virtually zero chance that Hooker will be helping the Lions on the field during the regular season in 2023, but getting clearance is still very important. Any reps that he can take with his teammates will only help his development.
For a player such as Hooker, missing more practice time would be detrimental. He is an older prospect, already 25 years old, so even if he can get on the practice field in any capacity this summer it would be a major boost.
“I love the Detroit staff,” Hooker said. “They’re very supportive. Always teaching and hungry to get better. There’s a competitive aspect from every coach that we have. It’s always a competition on the field. Offense, defense, it’s always going to be some chatter going back and forth, and I love that. I want be a part of something that’s going to continue to progress to get better, and that’s what we’re trying to do. We’re trying to win ballgames.”
There were discussions of Hooker landing in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, but he fell into the third round, where the Lions stopped his slide. They are certainly happy to have him, as he provides the team with a high-upside backup behind Jared Goff at the very least.
The coaching staff has liked what they have seen in the early going as his work ethic and football IQ have stood out regularly.
“If he didn’t have (a great work ethic), he wouldn’t be here. He’s a smart player, puts the time in. … The most important thing is him getting strong and healthy,” quarterbacks coach Mark Brunell recently told The Detroit News. “But I’m really pleased with him. As far as the meetings are concerned, we throw a bunch of questions at those rookies and try to put them in a tough spot. And he always does a very good job, and it’s very clear that he’s putting the time in.”
Detroit was a great landing spot for Hooker. There is no pressure on him to speed up his rehab as Goff is locked in as the starter. That will allow Hooker to take his time and make sure that he is 100 percent healthy before getting back on the field and competing with his teammates.
