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The Lions traded for a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft, selecting Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker in the third round. But they don’t expect their latest signal caller to take significant shots for a long time. Coach Dan Campebell explained Detroit’s investment in Hooker, telling Chris Long’s “Green Light” podcast that Hooker will essentially “redshirt” his rookie season, even at age 25.
“He’s very mature, he’s good looking, he’s got a big arm,” Campbell said of Hooker. “He just needs to learn how to play in the NFL. … And I like that he was older. We all kind of like that he’s older. I think you want your quarterback to be a little more mature they’ve got a lot on their plate.”
At 25, Hooker is one of the oldest QB prospects drafted since the Browns acquired Brandon Weeden, 28, in 2012. By comparison, Bryce Young, who turned No. 1 with the Panthers, won’t turn 22 until July. Fellow first-round QB CJ Stroud won’t turn 22 until October. And No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson won’t turn 21 until later this month.
But that doesn’t mean the Lions plan to chase Hooker onto the field. Team Brass has repeatedly endorsed current starter Jared Goff after his prolific 2022. And while Goff is only under contract for two years, Campbell believes Hooker will spend “a long time” improving his craft at the NFL level.
“Goff will handle it well,” Campbell said. “He’ll help this guy just learn and grow. … And this is really a redshirt year for (Hooker). And he’ll learn under Jared, and then let’s see what happens, when he finally gets you may be (No.) 2, or maybe down the road it’s more than that, but it’s going to be a long time.”
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