A Detroit Lions Media Personality Shares an Honest Statement on Hendon Hooker
As the Detroit Lions continue to fine-tune their roster in preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft, one of the most intriguing prospects being discussed is Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker. A player who made a major name for himself in college football, Hooker has garnered attention for his strong arm, leadership qualities, and impressive college performance. However, with all the excitement surrounding him, there’s still plenty of skepticism in the air regarding his fit in the NFL. Recently, a popular Detroit Lions media personality shared some honest thoughts on Hooker and the potential fit for the Lions, sparking further discussion on the quarterback’s future.
The Rise of Hendon Hooker
Before diving into the commentary shared by the Lions’ media figure, it’s important to first understand why Hooker has become such a hot topic in the lead-up to the draft. After transferring to Tennessee from Virginia Tech, Hooker’s game truly blossomed. He became the leader of one of the most explosive offenses in college football, throwing for 3,135 yards, 27 touchdowns, and just two interceptions during the 2024 season. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and throw with accuracy on deep routes helped propel Tennessee to national prominence.
What really sets Hooker apart from other quarterbacks in this draft class is his blend of skills. Standing at 6’4″ and weighing in at 218 pounds, Hooker has the physical frame that NFL teams covet. But more importantly, he displayed excellent mobility in the pocket, the ability to extend plays with his legs, and leadership that resonated with his teammates. His strong arm allows him to drive the ball downfield with ease, and his quick release makes him a difficult quarterback to sack or pressure.
Despite this success, there are questions about his ability to transition to the NFL, particularly considering that Tennessee’s offense under head coach Josh Heupel was very up-tempo and largely based on a spread system. While Hooker was highly effective in that system, many wonder if he can translate that success to a more traditional, pro-style offense. Additionally, Hooker tore his ACL in November 2024, which has raised further concerns about his long-term health and recovery.
Detroit Lions Media Personality’s Honest Take on Hooker
In a recent segment on a popular Detroit Lions podcast, media personality and longtime Detroit sports analyst, Mark McCullough, shared his candid thoughts on Hendon Hooker and the possibility of the Lions drafting him.
“Let’s be clear, I like Hendon Hooker as a quarterback,” McCullough began. “I’m not here to knock the guy. He’s got some serious tools—he’s a strong leader, he’s got a big arm, and he can make things happen with his legs. But we need to temper our expectations a bit here.”
McCullough then proceeded to elaborate on what the Lions should consider when evaluating Hooker as a potential future option under center.
A Playmaker, But Can He Adapt?
One of McCullough’s primary points was the transition from the college game to the pros, particularly for quarterbacks who thrived in a spread system.
“Look, I think what a lot of people are missing is the kind of offense that Hooker ran in Tennessee,” McCullough continued. “It’s an offense built on speed and creating one-on-one opportunities for receivers, and Hooker was really good at taking advantage of that. But in the NFL, it’s a different ball game. It’s not all about the wide-open lanes and the high-paced tempo. The defenses are more sophisticated, and the quarterbacks need to make quicker reads and more nuanced decisions.”
McCullough went on to say that while Hooker’s athleticism is impressive, the transition to the NFL will require him to adjust to more complex route trees, different defensive alignments, and a faster pace of play. “Hooker has the raw ability, but can he adjust to that?” McCullough asked. “That’s the million-dollar question. And I’m not sure we have the full answer yet.”
The Injury Concerns
Another key factor that McCullough mentioned was Hooker’s ACL injury, which he suffered late in the 2024 college season. While Hooker has shown impressive recovery progress, McCullough raised concerns about the long-term impact of the injury.
“I think we all know that ACL injuries are a big deal, especially for quarterbacks,” McCullough said. “Sure, he’s young, and the medical reports have been positive, but until we see him out there moving freely, we really don’t know how that’s going to affect him. It could be fine, or it could be something that nags him for a long time.”
McCullough acknowledged that teams will likely be scrutinizing Hooker’s recovery closely, and that it may affect his draft stock. “If a team is going to take him high in the first round, they need to be confident that he’s fully recovered and that he’s going to be the same player he was before the injury,” he said.
The Lions’ Current Quarterback Situation
While McCullough’s analysis was mostly focused on Hooker’s potential as an NFL starter, he also acknowledged the Lions’ current quarterback situation. Jared Goff, the Lions’ current signal-caller, is coming off a career-best season in 2024, leading Detroit to the playoffs. McCullough pointed out that the Lions are in a position where they don’t necessarily need to rush into drafting a quarterback but could afford to take a longer-term approach.
“Let’s not forget that the Lions already have a solid quarterback in Jared Goff,” McCullough said. “Goff has proven himself to be a top-tier quarterback in this system, and while Hooker has a lot of potential, this isn’t a team that’s desperate for a quarterback right now. The Lions are in win-now mode, and adding another player who can help them this season might be a smarter move than rushing to draft a quarterback with question marks.”
McCullough emphasized that if the Lions do take a quarterback like Hooker, it might be better to let him develop behind Goff, especially given the potential for growing pains in the transition from college to the pros.
“The Lions are in a unique position where they can take a quarterback like Hooker and let him learn the ropes,” McCullough explained. “This isn’t a team that needs a day-one starter at quarterback. Goff is the guy for now, and Hooker could be a developmental project, a guy who gets better with time and eventually takes over the reins when the time is right.”
The Bottom Line: Should the Lions Take a Chance on Hooker?
Ultimately, McCullough didn’t shy away from the fact that Hooker’s potential is intriguing, but he emphasized that the Lions need to be cautious in how they approach him. “Look, if the Lions believe in Hooker and think he’s the future, then go for it,” McCullough concluded. “But if they’re just picking him because he’s a flashy prospect, I’d be careful. The last thing the Lions need is another quarterback project that doesn’t pan out. They’ve already made significant progress as a team, and they can’t afford to take unnecessary risks.”
He added, “The Lions are close to being a true contender in the NFC, and they need to make sure their draft picks help them get over the hump. If Hooker’s their guy, then I’m all for it. But they can’t afford to reach for him just because of his potential. It’s a delicate balance.
As the 2025 NFL Draft draws closer, Hendon Hooker’s name is one that will continue to be linked with the Detroit Lions. While the franchise has the luxury of not being desperate for a quarterback, the idea of adding a potential franchise signal-caller who could sit behind Goff and learn while he develops is intriguing. However, as Mark McCullough honestly pointed out, Hooker’s transition from a spread offense to the pro game, combined with concerns over his ACL injury, means that the Lions will need to carefully weigh the risks and rewards before making a decision.
Ultimately, if Hooker is to succeed in Detroit, it will require a patient approach, proper development, and a willingness to invest in his long-term potential. But with the right support system, Hooker could prove to be a future star for the Lions, continuing the franchise’s path to contention in the NFC.