With the 18th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions select ... Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker?
Gator says he's warming up to the idea.
"The more and more I do my research and look at it, I want Hendon Hooker. And I might be willing to go 18 and draft him there, because I don’t think he’s going to be there when the Lions draft in the second round," Gator said Tuesday on the Karsch and Anderson Show.
Whether or not you believe in Jared Goff as the Lions' long-term starting quarterback, the team does need to bolster the position. GM Brad Holmes has been clear about that this offseason: "We need to add some pieces in that room overall," he said at the combine. "Whether it’s in free agency or in the draft, we gotta get somebody to continue to develop."
Gator is a believer in Hooker, who threw 58 touchdowns to five interceptions and piled up 6,000-plus passing yards and 1,000-plus rushing yards over his final two seasons at Tennessee.
"What you’re hearing now about Hendon Hooker is he’s making the rounds and acing all his interviews. Everyone comes away wildly impressed with this young man and what he has to say. And then you start looking at OK, what are the tools? He’s got the size, he’s got the acumen, but he’s got the knee injury and the age thing that people seem to be a little scared of."
Hooker turned 25 in January and is coming off a torn ACL.
"I’d love him in the second round, but if you draft him in the first round you get the extra year (on his contract)," says Gator. "That’s the one that I’m starting to warm up on a lot more. If the Lions need to draft a quarterback, draft Hendon Hooker. We know he won’t play this upcoming season, doesn't have to, and you’ve got at least one more year of Jared Goff, maybe two, and you’re still fine with Hendon Hooker."
Listen live to 97.1 The Ticket via:
Audacy App | Online Stream | Smart Speaker