Detroit Lions select Hendon Hooker in 3rd round of 2023 NFL Draft

Following a college football career that saw plenty of twists and turns along the way, Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker has his home in the NFL. The Detroit Lions have selected Hooker with the No. 68 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Hooker was a four-star prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking as part of the 2017 recruiting class. Hooker started his career at Virginia Tech and spent the first three years of his career with the Hokies. In those three seasons, Hooker played in 21 games and threw for 2,894 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions.

Hooker then transferred to Tennessee ahead of the 2021 season. After throwing for 2,945 yards, 31 touchdowns and three interceptions in his first year at Tennessee, Hooker made a massive leap in 2022. He threw for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns and two interceptions. Hooker was in the mix for the Heisman Trophy until he tore his ACL late in the season, which put an end on his college playing days.

“It was tough,” Hooker said on The Paul Finebaum Show in early April. “I found myself in the early stages kind of tearing up when I watched film and watched games, just missing my teammates, the camaraderie and how hard we compete for each other on a daily basis in practice and in meetings and during game day. Through the whole process, just staying positive and connecting with my teammates whenever I can. And having a great support system in my family. Can’t thank them enough.”

What NFL Draft Analysts are saying about Hendon Hooker

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein provided the following analysis of Hooker, while also comparing him to Desmond Ridder of the Atlanta Falcons.

“Hooker’s age and ACL tear will be starting points for many draft conversations, but the most important question to be answered is whether he can thrive outside of the Tennessee offense,” Zierlein wrote. “Hooker was frequently a half-field reader, which means he could lean on spacing, speed and/or route combinations to make life easier. He’s more accurate outside the numbers than between the hashes and his deep ball placement was much more uneven than expected. However, Hooker plays with excellent poise and footwork as a pocket passer.

“He will make quarterback coaches and play-callers happy with his adherence to keeping plays on schedule. He’s still showing signs of improvement and growth at the position, and his ability to hurt teams with his legs creates opportunities to help his offense outside of what he does in the pocket. His recovery from the ACL tear will require monitoring, but he has the talent to become a starter in a timing-based, spread offense.”