Takeo Spikes seemed optimistic about the potential of Hendon Hooker’s NFL career on Sunday. Spikes listed one main reason as to why Hooker could have success.

Hooker was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Hooker recorded 6,080 yards passing with 68 total touchdowns from the two years he spent in Knoxville.

Spikes believes that Hooker will be a good fit at the Lions mostly because it is a low-pressure situation. With Jared Goff expected to be the starting QB in 2023, Hooker most likely will not be playing right away.

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Tennessee sportsbooks are live in the Volunteer state since November 1, 2020. Tennessee was the first SEC state to legalize sports betting.

Spikes thinks this will give Hooker plenty of time to learn from Goff before being rushed into action.

“They’re not counting on Hooker to play. Jared Goff is the guy, they understand that clearly. By picking Hendon Hooker they know he is the future. He can just come in and learn from behind one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. Truth be told, I think Hooker’s a better quarterback than Goff.”

Hooker was not able to finish the regular season after suffering an ACL tear against South Carolina. Hooker helped snap losing streaks to both Florida and Alabama in 2022.

Tennessee finished the 2022 season with an 11-2 record after beating Clemson in the Orange Bowl.