The Detroit Lions' participation in the upcoming Pro Football Hall of Fame Game means head coach Dan Campbell & Co. won't be running a mandatory minicamp. In other words, this spring's organized team activities (OTAs) are the last offseason workouts before training camp begins in July.
As usual, certain Lions capitalized on their OTA opportunities, doing whatever it took to prove themselves to Campbell's coaching staff. Unfortunately, not everyone had a successful start to the NFL offseason, including a Detroit signal-caller who likely hurt himself with a poor performance in recent weeks.
Lions QB Hendon Hooker Hurt Himself with OTA Performance
Quarterback Hendon Hooker's outlook with the Lions was immediately shaky once the NFL offseason started. The former 2023 third-round pick out of Tennessee hasn't been developing as hoped, and Detroit wanted a more trustworthy arm to back up Jared Goff, leading to the team signing veteran QB Kyle Allen as soon as free agency opened.
As soon as the offseason started, Hooker faced trade rumors amid an uncertain future. It was clear the ex-Volunteer needed a strong showing throughout OTAs if he wanted to win the QB2 role, or at least to increase his trade value.
Rather than step up to bolster his stock, Hooker struggled throughout OTAs. A to Z Sports' Mike Payton reported that the 27-year-old QB left much to be desired during this year's workouts, "missing deep throws, holding onto the ball too long, or getting rid of it too fast."
Pride of Detroit's Jeremy Reisman detailed Hooker's struggles from the May 30 OTAs, mentioning how the latter had a trio of overthrows throughout the various drills. Considering how Allen also has struggled this spring, the fact that Hooker couldn't capitalize on his counterpart's shortcomings is quite disappointing.
Without a mandatory minicamp to get back on track, Hooker isn't in a good spot at the moment. The Lions likely aren't feeling too confident in his ability to be the QB2, while potential trade partners' interest may have gone down following a lackluster OTA showing. He'll need a massive training camp and offseason performance to improve his stock, whether he wants to remain in the Motor City or try for a bigger role elsewhere.
At the end of the day, Hooker's case is worth following as the Lions prepare for the rest of the NFL offseason.