Hooker a bust?

[Longgone]

On 1/28/2025 at 12:17 PM, MichiganCardinal said:

It’s an academic exercise because I don’t think the Lions have any interest in trading him.

Arguendo, somewhere between a 2nd round pick and a 6th round pick. Hooker fell to the 3rd because of his injury. So a clean slate rookie Hooker was probably worth a 2nd.

Even though we know nothing about his development, I doubt the same is true NFL-wide. It’s not as if there is a literal bubble around him. People talk. If he’s shown NFL potential and a team is interested, they would know his worth, though the lack of snaps would make it still a massive risk.

But again, a trade now makes no sense. You would be selling low to create a hole on your roster. “But maybe the draft pick would turn into a backup QB we could develop!”

Exactly, he probably graded out as a late 1st early 2nd round talent if healthy. If evaluators feel he still has that ability and now has nfl training, then his value will be in the higher ranges, if they’ve seen things that diminished their evaluation, then his value has appropriately dropped. 

[AlaskanTigersFan]

Ride him out two more years. Draft a younger project QB to grow into the backup this year that can be QB2 after next year when Hooker's contract expires. We need cap space other places than backup QB.

I feel bad for Hooker. He may never get a chance to show what he can do to earn that $300 million contract. But if he makes $50 million over a career being a backup QB, is that really so bad? 

Edited Thursday at 01:58 PM by AlaskanTigersFan

[Jimbo]

13 minutes ago, AlaskanTigersFan said:

Ride him out two more years. Draft a younger project QB to grow into the backup this year that can be QB2 after next year when Hooker's contract expires. We need cap space other places than backup QB.

I feel bad for Hooker. He may never get a chance to show what he can do to earn that $300 million contract. But if he makes $50 million over a career being a backup QB, is that really so bad? 

I agree if he is capable of playing if Goff gets hurt.  I think we will know more on what the Lions think of him during this off-season.  If they keep him and don't bring in someone else well known than they think he can play if Goff gets injured.

[buddha]

the pre draft consensus from the internet seema to have him in round 2.  compared to desmond ridder.

ridder was also a 3rd round pick, was a below average starter, and then was traded for slot receiver rondale moore.

[Motown Bombers]

I saw a lot of draft consensus that had him as a 1st round pick had he not been injured. 

[Jimbo]

I think the biggest problem with Hooker is his age.  That is why wasting (probably not the best choice of word) a 3rd round pick on a lifetime back up wasn't Holmes best decision.  If he was a couple of years younger and had a 1rst round grade before the injury, this pick would of been a lot better because I do think other teams would of been interested in him.  This is when BPA in a draft can be an issue.  Now if the Lions truly feel like the next two years he can legitimately take over if Goff gets hurt then its not as bad as a pick.  Last year was about as bad as it can get for injuries although we have been lucky with Goff staying healthy.

[Motown Bombers]

A lot of people were giving Hooker a 1st round grade prior to the injury. 

[Longgone]

1 hour ago, Jimbo said:

I think the biggest problem with Hooker is his age.  That is why wasting (probably not the best choice of word) a 3rd round pick on a lifetime back up wasn't Holmes best decision.  If he was a couple of years younger and had a 1rst round grade before the injury, this pick would of been a lot better because I do think other teams would of been interested in him.  This is when BPA in a draft can be an issue.  Now if the Lions truly feel like the next two years he can legitimately take over if Goff gets hurt then its not as bad as a pick.  Last year was about as bad as it can get for injuries although we have been lucky with Goff staying healthy.

I don’t think age is that much of a factor because quarterbacks are playing well into their 30’s. What teams care about is can they run an offense, read defenses, efficiently distribute the ball, etc.

[Jimbo]

2 hours ago, Longgone said:

I don’t think age is that much of a factor because quarterbacks are playing well into their 30’s. What teams care about is can they run an offense, read defenses, efficiently distribute the ball, etc.

I disagree and do think his age is a factor when someone is unproven.  A team will take a chance on Darnold (who is the same age) now because he proved he could run an offense after 6 years in the NFL and having success last year.  Teams will take a chance on unproven talent if they are young.  I am not talking about staying in the league.  I am talking about his chance to be a starter in this league.

[Longgone]

1 hour ago, Jimbo said:

I disagree and do think his age is a factor when someone is unproven.  A team will take a chance on Darnold (who is the same age) now because he proved he could run an offense after 6 years in the NFL and having success last year.  Teams will take a chance on unproven talent if they are young.  I am not talking about staying in the league.  I am talking about his chance to be a starter in this league.

Age is a big factor in athletics in that athletes are still developing into the early 20’s and athletic ability peaks and then begins to wane. With quarterbacks however, the skills necessary to compete are less athletically dependent and so age is less a factor.