The Detroit Lions signed quarterback Hendon Hooker and two other draft picks to contracts before the start of rookie minicamp Friday.
Hooker, the 68th pick in last month’s draft, will not take part in football drills in camp or organized team activities this spring as he recovers from a torn ACL he suffered last November at Tennessee. Lions coach Dan Campbell said Hooker likely will spend this season redshirting as he strengthens his knee and gets adjusted to life in the NFL.
The first of the Lions’ two third-round picks, Hooker is the highest-drafted rookie the Lions have signed so far.
Fifth-round pick Colby Sorsdal, an offensive lineman from William & Mary, and seventh-rounder Antoine Green, a receiver from North Carolina, also signed their contracts. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta, safety Brian Branch and defensive tackle Brodric Martin remain unsigned.
Rookie draft picks receive slotted four-year deals under the current collective bargaining agreement.
According to Spotrac, Hooker’s contract is worth $5.719 million and includes a $1.159 million signing bonus, Sorsdal received a $320,084 bonus as part of a $4.16 million deal, and Green got a $116,760 signing bonus on a deal worth up to $3.957 million.
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None of the deals are fully guaranteed.
The Lions also announced the signing of 15 undrafted free agents Friday. Rookie minicamp runs through Sunday.
Here are the UDFAs the Lions signed:
OL Brad Cecil, South Florida: Played 53 games and made 50 starts, primarily at center, in five seasons. A team captain in 2021.
WR Chase Cota, Oregon: A UCLA transfer, set career-highs with 36 receptions for 497 yards last season in his first year at Oregon.
LB Isaac Darkangelo, Illinois: A Novi Detroit Catholic Central product, Darkangelo transferred to Illinois from Northern Michigan and led one of college football’s best defenses in tackles last season.
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DL Cory Durden, North Carolina State: Played two seasons at N.C. State after beginning his career at Florida State. A team captain last year, had 11 sacks and 20 tackles for loss in his college career.
OT Connor Galvin, Baylor: The Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year in 2021, Galvin played primarily left tackle at Baylor and made 50 career starts.
CB Steven Gilmore, Marshall: The younger brother of Dallas Cowboys cornerback Stephon Gilmore, had nine interceptions and 34 passes defensed in his college career.
RB Mohamed Ibrahim, Minnesota: An all-Big Ten selection in 2020, Ibrahim missed most of 2021 with a ruptured Achilles. Returned to set a Minnesota record with 1,665 yards rushing and 320 carries last season.
S Brandon Joseph, Notre Dame: Transferred to Notre Dame last season after earning All-American honors with six interceptions at Northwestern in 2020. Also returns punts
QB Adrian Martinez, Kansas State: Therew for 1,261 yards and ran for 627 more and 10 touchdowns for the Wildcats last season. Before transferring to Kansas State, set a Nebraska record with 10,792 yards of total offense in four seasons.
DL Zach Morton, Akron: Former Cass Tech standout blocked two kicks in 2021. Spent the 2017-20 seasons at Syracuse and finished his college career with 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and two interceptions.
LB Trevor Nowaske, Saginaw Valley State: Former Salem High star had a standout career in the GLIAC, recording 232 career tackles and five interceptions. Had 98 tackles last season.
DL Chris Smith, Notre Dame: Played four seasons at Harvard before transferring to Notre Dame as a graduate student last season. Had 17 tackles and made starts for the Irish. Played at Cranbrook Kingswood in high school.
OL Ryan Swoboda, Central Florida: A three-year starter at right tackle, Swoboda was one of the tallest players in the draft at 6 feet 9 and 319 pounds. Virginia transfer made 37 career starts at right tackle (and one each at left tackle and tight end).
CB Starling Thomas V, Alabama-Birmingham: Had 23 pass breakups the past two seasons after missing all of 2020 with a knee injury. Smaller cornerback at 5 feet 10, but has wingspan of 6-3.
WR Keytaon Thompson, Virginia: Began his college career as a quarterback at Mississippi State. Had 139 catches for 1,675 yards in his career, and added 1,178 yards rushing and 846 yards passing.
Contact Dave Birkett at dbirkett@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @davebirkett.