Alim McNeill: Hendon Hooker's Arm 'Smooth as Butter'

Lions defender noticed talents of backup quarterback.

The Detroit Lions front office and coaching staff have expectations that second-year quarterback Hendon Hooker could serve as Jared Goff's backup in 2024.

Veteran quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who spent one season in Motown, has retired. David Blough is now in Washington working as an assistant quarterbacks coach.

After spending most of his rookie season rehabbing from a torn ACL, the young signal-caller eventually earned practice reps and served as the team's scout team quarterback the final stretch of the season.

Teammates have noticed his strong arm and maturity, likely indicating he has a bright future ahead of him in the National Football League.

Appearing on the "Green Light with Chris Long" podcast, talented defensive lineman Alim McNeill indicated supporters will be impressed by Hooker's talents this upcoming season.

"He's doing well. He's doing very good. I get along with Hendon, obviously, because he's from here. He's from North Carolina. He's from Greensboro. About an hour from Raleigh, if that. Yeah, we got that connection there. Hendon is doing good. He was at practice. He was our scout team quarterback," McNeill explained. "His arm was smooth as butter. Oh my gosh, it's so beautiful. His arm is strong, too. He's got a strong arm."

While the roster saw progress, it is still far too soon to fully evaluate what the talented signal-caller's eventual ceiling will be.

Head coach Dan Campbell expressed at the scouting combine the team saw improvements all throughout the year, but "I don’t think we entirely know what he is yet. There’s not enough evidence. But I know this, we saw progress. And that’s what we’re looking for.”

McNeill, meanwhile, indicated fans will see what defenders got an early glimpse of the final months of the 2023 NFL season.

"You're going to see it," said McNeill. "And I know he's working right now. I know he's working. But, he looks good."

Additional reading

1.) Lessons Lions Can Learn from Michigan Pro Day

2.) Roundtable: Did Lions Make Mistake Not Trading for CB L'Jarius Sneed?