Analyst passes along visions of elite potential for Lions rookie Hendon Hooker

If not for a torn ACL last season playing for Tennessee, Hendon Hooker would likely have been drafted earlier than the third round of April's draft. There was some buzz that he was on the first round radar for some teams anyway.

But the Detroit Lions took him in the third round, No. 68 overall, with the idea he can be developed while he completes his injury recovery sitting behind Jared Goff. Head coach Dan Campbell put the perfect phrase to the plan when he called this season a "redshirt year" for Hooker.

So the conversation about Hooker as the successor to Goff, or the idea he could push Goff for the starting job, is for 2024. But he can still be talked about now with an eye on that future, and by all accounts Hooker is making a solid early impression.

Detroit Lions: Analyst passes along view of 'elite' potential for Hendon Hooker

Matt Lombardo of Heavy named the Lions as one his teams who could breakthrough after a rebuild this season. That's not exactly breaking news. But in passing along how many people believe Hooker has "elite franchise quarterback upside" Lombardo offered some specific sentiment. Anonymous quotes, yes, but quotes.

"I love him,” “I gave him a first-round grade. I had him as my No. 4 quarterback behind Will Levis. I had Hendon ahead of (Anthony) Richardson.”"

- An NFC personnel executive

"That was a great pick for Detroit,” said the coach, whose team was also in the market for a quarterback. “They get to let him get healthy and learn for a year behind Jared Goff. Hooker has the talent to be the guy in time, while not being thrown to the wolves as a rookie. You have no idea how much that’s going to benefit him.”"

- An NFL coach

Even if he wasn't coming back from a torn ACL, Hooker would have the benefit of sitting and learning behind Goff during his rookie season. As the situation is currently Nate Sudfeld would step in if Goff were injured, and even if Hooker were healthy right now that may not be different.