NFL rumors: Latest on key NFL Draft prospect visits
By John Buhler
NFL rumors: Detroit Lions are bringing in Hendon Hooker for a top-30 visit
In one of the more interesting top-30 visits, the Detroit Lions are bringing in former Tennessee Volunteers star quarterback Hendon Hooker. He will meet with the Lions’ brass on Tuesday. Detroit has the No. 6 pick in the upcoming draft by way of the Matthew Stafford trade with the Los Angeles Rams, as well as their own pick at No. 18. And that is where it gets very interesting…
#Tennessee QB Hendon Hooker will fly today to Detroit to visit the #Lions tomorrow, source says. Detroit picks 6th and 18th in the first round of the Draft.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2023
Although taking Hooker inside the top 10 would be insane, Detroit can technically afford to do that, as the No. 6 wasn’t originally the Lions to begin with. Some teams may view Hooker as QB3 behind Stroud and Young, in some order. However, with the way the draft board stands now, the earliest I would expect to hear Hooker’s name called would be by the Tennessee Titans at No. 11.
What makes the Lions such an intriguing landing spot for Hooker is that they already have a proven starter in Jared Goff. He could be their guy this season, while Hooker works his way back from a season-ending torn ACL he suffered in the South Carolina game. Even more importantly, Hooker might be the one the Lions take at No. 18. Of course, they could move up or back as well.
Detroit could take quarterback in the first-round, but the Lions need players to start right away.