The Detroit Lions have built themselves into a legit NFC powerhouse, but the job’s far from done—and neither is the roster. Behind Jared Goff, who’s got the keys to one of the most dangerous offenses in the NFL, there’s a young quarterback whose clock is starting to tick louder: Hendon Hooker.
Hooker was a third-round flyer in the 2023 draft, a calculated gamble by GM Brad Holmes on a guy who tore up SEC defenses at Tennessee. His numbers were video-game level—58 touchdowns and over 6,000 yards in two years. But that ACL tear late in 2022 meant Detroit could stash him, develop him, and see what he’s got down the road.
Well… the road’s here.
With two years left on his rookie deal and Goff firmly in the driver’s seat, Hooker has to prove he belongs. He’s looked solid in spot work, but questions remain. Can he read a full field? Can he move off that first or second look and still make the right decision? Can he be the guy if Goff misses time?
He’s going to get a ton of reps this training camp, and every snap is crucial. This isn’t about holding a clipboard anymore—this is about proving you can step in and win games.
So here we go: make or break time for Hendon Hooker in Detroit. The arm talent is there. The résumé is impressive. But if he wants to stick around or climb the depth chart, he’s got to show this staff he’s more than potential—he’s the real deal.
Hendon Hooker Hits Crunch Time: Lions’ Young QB Must Deliver at Camp
