Will the Lions Redshirt Hendon Hooker in 2023? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Detroit Lions selected Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker in the early third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Jared Goff has played well enough to keep his starting role, but Hooker could have a chance to be the quarterback of the future if things go his way. That said, there's no guarantee he'll be given a legitimate chance since he wasn't a first or early-second round pick, so the range of outcomes is wide.

Hooker is coming off a torn ACL from late November of 2022 and comes from a Tennessee scheme that doesn't come close to resembling an NFL offense. Ultimately, it could take time for him to adjust, so it's unclear whether he'll get a chance to play as a rookie.

Will the Lions redshirt Hooker in 2023 or will he play during his rookie season? Let's get into it.

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Hendon Hooker Prospect Profile

In his last four collegiate seasons at Virginia Tech and Tennessee, Hooker threw for 7,656 yards, 68 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. He added 1,940 yards and 23 touchdowns on the ground.

His final season in college saw him sit at the top of the 2022 Heisman odds, but his unfortunate major knee injury put an end to his campaign. Still, he remained a top quarterback prospect in the 2023 class and was even rumored to be a late-first-round pick just a day before the draft.

Concerns about his knee, his age, and the Tennessee offense ultimately led to him slipping into the third round, but he landed in a situation where he is not expected to play right away.

Will Hooker Redshirt in 2023?

Hooker is probably looking at a redshirt rookie year, according to head coach Dan Campbell. Hooker is still rehabbing a torn ACL and the Lions appear to be committed to Jared Goff as their starter in the near future.

Hooker could be a long-term answer at the quarterback position for the Lions but he is unlikely to make an impact in 2023. He remains a stash in Superflex dynasty formats. If he does get a chance to start in the future, he'll have a top wideout in Amon-Ra St. Brown and his rushing upside could be valuable for fantasy football.

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