Lions Add QB Hendon Hooker with Pick No. 68
The Lions, after multiple trades on Day 2, have finally selected their next draft prospect.
General manager Brad Holmes moved the Lions down multiple times in order to get to pick No. 68 in the third round.
After targeting only two schools with the team's first four selections, Holmes looked to Tennessee for the team's fifth selection of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Earlier, the team slid down eight spots to No. 63 from No. 55, after executing a trade with the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Then, Holmes slid down five spots again by trading with the Broncos.
With their third selection on Day 2 (No. 68 overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Lions selected quarterback Hendon Hooker.
Since the end of the 2022 season, the Lions have been in search of a reliable backup quarterback.
Holmes made an offer to veteran backup Teddy Bridgewater, but the deal was not agreed to prior to the draft.
Last season, Hooker threw for 3,135 yards and 27 touchdowns. Throughout his five-year career, he surpassed 8,000 yards, and tossed 80 touchdowns (against just 12 interceptions).
"Don't mind at all," Hooker told the team's website at the Senior Bowl, about learning behind veteran Jared Goff. "I'm going to be able to come in and soak up as much information as I can, not just on the field but off the field, as well. Coming in with a vet in front of me would be awesome. Being able to just dive in and learn what he knows. I want to be able to be pushed and compete in a positive environment."
After several positive meetings with Detroit's personnel department, the team has now added its backup quarterback.
The Lions decided to select tight end Sam LaPorta with their first selection on Friday evening, along with defensive back Brian Branch with their following pick
Prior to picking Hooker, Holmes had targeted two players from Iowa and two players from Alabama in his third draft at the helm.
Barring any trades, the Lions do not have any remaining draft selections on Day 2.
Their next selection will be in the fourth round, on the final day of this year's draft.
Picks made by Lions in 2023 NFL Draft:
- Round 1, Pick 12 -- Alabama Crimson Tide RB Jahmyr Gibbs
- Round 1, Pick 18 -- Iowa Hawkeyes LB Jack Campbell
- Round 2, Pick 34 -- Iowa Hawkeyes TE Sam LaPorta
- Round 2, Pick 45 -- Alabama Crimson Tide DB Brian Branch
Remaining picks
- Round 4, Pick 122 (From Chiefs)
- Round 5, Pick 139 (From Broncos)
- Round 5, Pick 152
- Round 5, Pick 168 (From Arizona)
- Round 7, Pick 249 (From Chiefs)
