The New Orleans Saints are still in the process of identifying a quarterback. Perhaps Tyler Shough, the second-round selection, is the solution. However, it is possible that he is not. I incline to trust NFL front offices more than pundits on the internet, despite the fact that Shough was the subject of many draft night jokes due to a less-than-flattering clip of him at the combine. Therefore, who knows?
Regrettably, the Saints should not presume that Shough will be the quarterback, and they should certainly not assume that Spencer Rattler is the backup quarterback in Week 1. Therefore, New Orleans should continue to pursue quarterbacks, and Detroit Lions reserve quarterback Hendon Hooker should be included in the roster of players to monitor.
According to Lions QB instructor Mark Brunell, Hooker has made a promising start to training camp; however, he has not yet secured the backup position. Given the uncertain future of Detroit, it is entirely reasonable for a team such as New Orleans, which has no viable quarterback options following Derek Carr’s retirement, to consider a once-heralded prospect.
Hendon Hooker is unlikely to be the Saints’ solution; however, it may be worth considering.
It is difficult to determine the precise capabilities of the 2023 third-round decision as a professional signal-caller, as the former Virginia Tech and Tennessee quarterback has not yet been afforded an opportunity to play in the NFL.
In 2022, Hooker was awarded the SEC offensive Player of the Year. Subsequently, he was sidelined for the entirety of 2023 due to a torn ACL, was placed on the Probationary Undergraduate Player (PUP) list during his rookie season with Detroit, and made his (brief) NFL début with the Lions last season.
Hooker, who is 27 years old, is unlikely to cause a sensation in New Orleans if he is given the opportunity; however, he is deserving of a chance to compete in some capacity. He was considered a potential franchise quarterback prior to his ACL injury and was the fifth-ranked quarterback prospect in the 2023 NFL Draft by ESPN.
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