Are the Detroit Lions interested in University of Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker as his stock rises at the Senior Bowl?

There seems to be links between the two. Hooker enjoyed a conversation with Lions Assistant GM Ray Agnew, according to the lionswire report.  Later Hooker said he grew up in Winston-Salem , N.C — the same area as Agnew — on the Detroit Lions podcast. He also talked about how he reads defenses.

Appearing on the Lions podcast might be a sign of mutual interest.

Hooker led the Volunteers to an 8-0 record and number one ranking before tearing his ACL. He won’t play in the Senior Bowl because of the injury, but is talking to interested NFL teams.

The Lions don’t need Hooker now because of the outstanding play of Jerod Goff, who is expected to be the starter next season. However, Hooker  told Nolan Bianchi of the Detroit News he has no qualms about sitting.

“I’d be ecstatic,” Hooker said about the possibility of being drafted to develop under a current starter.

“It’s a blessing to be in this position that I’m in. Not a lot of people get to be in this position. So either way it goes, I’m gonna come in, be a sponge, soak up all the information that I can, learn, and when it’s my time to go on the field, I’m gonna take advantage of my opportunity.”

“Don’t be surprised if Hooker ends up rising, as he can continue to show teams he’s recovering from his torn ACL,” ESPN’s Pete Thamel said.

Why is his stock rising? Let’s take a look.

Who is Hendon Hooker?

The 6’4, 215 pound Hooker is a man of faith.  He released a motivational book out with his brother, Alston, called “The ABC’s of Scripture for Athletes.” He took home the 2022 SEC Offensive Player of The Year Award, as well as earning second team All-American honors.

Hooker has one of the most accurate arms that will be in this year’s draft. He threw for 3,135 yards with 27 touchdowns and two interceptions his senior season. During his two seasons with the Volunteers, he had just five interceptions total. This was a vast improvement from his 2020 season at Virginia Tech, where he made seven starts and threw nine touchdowns and five interceptions.

Many NFL scouts believe Hooker could “follow in the footsteps” of Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.  He has shown not only touch and accuracy in one of the toughest conferences in college football, but the ability to throw the deep ball. He is a good runner but needs to work on throwing out of the pocket.  He has a natural throwing motion, as you see on these throws.

What do you think, Lions fans? Do you agree with the Heavyweights that Hooker would be a good fit in Detroit?

Photo Credit:© Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports