NFL Draft Diamonds

NFL Draft, NFL Trade Rumors, Scouting Reports & More

New England Patriots sign QB Ian Book and Rookie DB William Hooper to Practice Squad

New England Patriots sign QB Ian Book and Rookie DB William Hooper to Practice Squad
New England Patriots sign QB Ian Book and Rookie DB William Hooper to Practice Squad

Written by Karver Jordan 

The New England Patriots have added a few players on the practice squad QB Ian Book and Rookie UDFA DB William Hooper. Both players have a good amount of traits, one being that both players are young. Book being 25 years old and Hooper being 23, New England is adding two young players who are unproven and still have time to develop into something. Let’s take a look at their careers. 

Ian Book (QB) 

Age: 25

Height and Weight: 6-foot, 206 pounds

The former Notre Dame QB is joining his third team out of the three seasons he has played. Ian Book would be drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fourth round a few years back, the experiment didn’t work out for both parties. Book was waived after two seasons with New Orleans. Philadelphia would give the young QB a chance to prove himself in the 2023 NFL Preseason, you can say the 25 year old QB did a better job then expected. Book played in two games for the Eagles in 2023, The 6-foot Dual-threat QB completed 12 of his 19 passes for 91 yards with a completion percentage of 63.2% and a QBR of 74.7. Ian Book seems like he would be a good scheme fit for New England. 

Film Breakdown:

-Good drive on ball 

Book does a great job driving the hips and delivering a good pass. 

-Decent speed

Book has the ability to move out of pressure and gain a few yards on the ground.

-Has the Ability to “Thread the Needle” 

The 6-Foot QB can “Thread the Needle” meaning he can throw to wide receiver in tight coverage. 

-Pocket Awareness below average

The young QB has taken a lot of sacks out of his preseason/regular season games. Some of it being the Offensive line falling apart or Book taking too long on his reads. 

William Hooper (DB)

Age: 23

Height and Weight: 6-foot, 185 pounds 

William Hooper was a lockdown corner for Northwestern State all throughout his time there. Hooper may not be the biggest corner in the world but he makes up for it in his speed and ability to break up passes. Hooper would play in 46 games (starting 33 of them). Hooper recorded 71 total tackles (45 solo – 26 assisted), The young defensive back is great at tackling and delivers a hit every time.  Hooper also had three interceptions, nine pass breakups, and two sacks, great numbers from the young DB. 

After a phenomenal college career, Hooper would be picked up by the Green Bay Packers as a UDFA and played solidly in the preseason. Hooper recorded three pass break ups and three solo tackles. After the Packers waived Hooper, the New England Patriots are giving the young DB a chance. 

Film Breakdown: 

-Good in One-on-One coverage 

Good in One-on-One coverage vs all WRs

-Great speed, wicked fast 

Hooper is fast, could be used on special teams

-Good read steps

Never really gets beat due to his read steps

-Solid in hand fighting 

Good job fighting off WR blocks

-Tackling is solid 

Hard hitting and good at tackling

-Great at boxing out WRs

Makes it tough on WRs

Karver’s Final thoughts:

Bill Belichick is making all the right decisions in bringing in young “unproven” talent. I think both these players can be developed into something and will be good in practice reps. Ian Book and William Hooper are both young players who can be developed into something. 

More about the writer:

My name is Karver Jordan, I’m a high schooler who is writing in New England. I enjoy sharing my sports knowledge with everyone. My goal is to help get the fans to get a better understanding of Teams, Players, and more. If you enjoyed this piece of writing check me out on Instagram and Twitter! 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newenglandsportsreview/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/nesportreview       

Leave a Reply