In the 2023 NFL Draft, 14 squads, almost half of the league, drafted a quarterback. Six AFC teams added a quarterback, and eight NFC teams. Although only Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson are almost locked to play for their squads this season, the 10 quarterbacks drafted in round three or later can still have an impact. The number of teams that drafted a quarterback is telling of team’s needs to have a backup or developmental plan locked-in. It is also telling of teams attempts to find value in quarterbacks that fit their system and can provide teams without a quarterback locked-in at the starting position some value. There, is, however, one team and player who provides his team the most value, by contract, development, potential, and team-fit: Hendon Hooker at selection 68 to the Detroit Lions.
Why Hendon Hooker provides the Detroit Lions the best draft value
The Detroit Lions 2023 NFL Draft largely received poor grades from pundits, particularly for drafting Jahmyr Gibbs 12th overall and Jack Campbell at 18th overall. They did, however, obtain the second-best running back who immediately upgrades their offense, a starting middle linebacker in Campbell, and the best safety in the NFL Draft at 45th overall in Brian Branch. The Lions draft did not splash, but they certainly upgraded their team and in five years it might not look so drab.
Hendon Hooker’s Financial Value
Drafting quarterback Hendon Hooker from Tennessee at 68th overall also came as a surprise. The Lions have Jared Goff, and Hooker will not compete with Goff for the starting position. However, Goff had a $31.15 million cap last season, followed by a $30.97 million this season and $31.65 million cap hit next year. Goff has two seasons left with the Lions and in the 2025 season as a UFA will demand market-value if the Lions can march to the top of the NFC North. Goff’s contract might be worth 2025’s likely shocking quarterback value if the Lions march into the second or third-rounds of the playoffs.
However, Goff has always played good enough. He certainly has helped the Lions and found more success under Dan Campbell than the breakdown in relationship he had with Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams. Goff has become endearing to Lions fans. General manager Brad Holmes even publicly stated that the front office is seeking a contract-extension.
Yet, if anything breaks down and Goff, through injury or poor play, finds a sudden exit from Detroit likely, Hendon Hooker’s rookie contract value will allow the Lions to upgrade players around him and turn Hooker into the next Jared Goff. Both quarterbacks sit around 6’4” and 220 lbs, playing a similar style of football. Not overly athletic, excellent processors of the game, both precision pocket passers. If Goff’s interception total tips above 10 in 2023 or his touchdowns once again hover around a mere 20, then Hooker might be a very contract-friendly quarterback for the Lions.
Play and leadership value
Drafting a quarterback in the third-round is about as safe a selection as a team can make. Much like Hendon Hooker, there is extreme upside, but also limitations that put just one too many questions in scouts’ minds. In Hooker’s case, those questions hover around a lack of athleticism and an ACL injury. Hooker’s comp is nearly Teddy Bridgewater, Chad Henne, or Geno Smith – all three excellent career backups. Smith even found a renaissance in Seattle following the departure of Russell Wilson. Hooker certainly needs some slight development, but already has the characteristics of an NFL-ready quarterback who can win a handful of games. If Goff is injured this season, the Lions still have solid playoff odds.
Although NFL squads prefer athletic quarterbacks, the absence of athleticism should not become a major detraction from Hooker’s ability. Particularly, he brings security and leadership to the locker room. Hooker is one of the older quarterbacks (age 25) in the 2023 draft class, and with that comes an experience and presence to the locker room that will benefit the Lions. He can become a leader to the second-team and help develop the Lions rather young team.
Whether Hendon Hooker becomes the Lions starting quarterback in three years, or remains a long-term backup with intrinsic leadership abilities, he brings value to the Lions staff through his potential if negotiations or play breaks down with Goff, his inexpensive contract, his leadership value, and the security of a rookie backup who is ready to win a handful of games.
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