Built Chemistry with Mayfield
Having chemistry with the quarterback is important for any receiving option in an offense. Now, with Austin Hooper changing teams with his decision to sign with the Cleveland Browns, there is a need for him to build familiarity with his new quarterback, Baker Mayfield.
Hooper already conducted his own vetting process before making a decision where to sign in free agency. He took it a step further by going to Austin (TX) and ‘banked a few 100 reps’ with his new quarterback to which he said ‘has really helped us already.’
There will be no preseason action for teams to at least get valuable drives and live reps with their players. Even for teams with continuity, it’s important to go out to shake off the rest of the offseason.
For Hooper, he won’t be starting from zero with Mayfield, and that’s intriguing when considering many who switched teams will be. Those reps weren’t full-speed or in a game situation, but building more familiarity and chemistry with the quarterback is important.