Evaluations and grades for each Detroit Lions pick in 2023 NFL Draft
By Zach Payne
Round 3, Pick 68: Hendon Hooker, QB, Tennessee
For months Holmes has talked about the need for a quarterback behind Jared Goff. He never specified whether he would acquire one through free agency or the draft. In the end, after trading down twice from the back of the second round to slide into the start of the third round, Detroit took Hooker 68th overall.
A much older prospect, Hooker is already 25 years old and will be 30 by the time his rookie contract ends. There is also some injury risk, as Hooker is coming off a torn ACL and will probably not be ready for the start of the season.
Hooker has the arm talent and mobility to be effective at the NFL level. Combined with his experience in college, he should be able to transition relatively smoothly. Obviously, there is no intention for him to start games in 2023. But if something were to happen to Jared Goff, Hooker is a better option than Nate Sudfeld. A high-floor backup that has the potential to develop into the starter is not a bad choice. Especially considering the Lions didn’t use a premium pick, meaning they aren’t locked into Hooker as a starter if he doesn’t work out. This is a pretty tidy pick from Holmes to solidify the quarterback room.