Jalen Hurts, the 2019-20 Heisman trophy runner-up from Oklahoma, prepares for the next level and next phase of his career as the NFL draft is now less than 10 days away. I don't expect for Hurts to be a top-10 pick, maybe not even a first-rounder, but I believe his value could be that high.
As of right now, there are four quarterbacks in the draft that are being mentioned as first-round picks: Joe Burrow (LSU), Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama), Justin Herbert (Oregon) and Jordan Love (Utah State). Hurts had a better or just as good of a season, statistically, than all expect Burrow (Heisman winner).
In 2019 Hurts passed for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns and only 8 interceptions which got him a rating of 191.2 at the position. He also included 1,298 rushing yards on 233 carries and 20 touchdowns.
Hurts' draft stock seems to be slipping and I don't see the reasoning, he is believed to be drafted somewhere between the second and the fourth round. But I am a huge believer in him and believe that he has first-round talent. There was once a time that I didn't believe he would be an NFL starter. However, after what I have seen out him in the 2019-20 season, I am sold on his talent. The biggest difference that I was able to see is a quicker release in his passes, his ability and willingness to stand in the pocket and make throws over just pulling the ball down and running at every chance. Also, the biggest change, he was able to leave Alabama and an offense that I believe held him back. Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma Sooner head coach, produced no.1 draft selections for the past two years with Baker Mayfield (2018) and Kyler Murray (2019). Both are starters and have shown that they could be starters for years to come. Hurts had comparable years to both in the years that they came out. They both won the Heisman trophy. Burrow had a historical season, at the quarterback position, and that was the only thing between Hurts in and that trophy.
Hurts reminds he a lot of one quarterback from the 2012 NFL draft. A guy who wasn't really talked about as being a first-round pick. That quarterback being Russell Wilson. He [Wilson] played at a high level, made spectacular plays with his feet and his arm. Also, the one quality that I believe they have most in common, their leadership ability is something that I believe that makes them successful at every level Even after he [Hurts] was basically put in a situation to transfer from Alabama for his senior season, a lot of people didn't think he would have a good season. What did he do? just the opposite, he had the best season of his collegiate career. While I don't think he is as good as Wilson, naturally. I do see a lot of similar traits in their games and their character in the locker room.
Like in sport, I do believe that systems and surroundings can determine the outcome of a players success. I do believe that Hurts has the talent to be successful at the next level, I don't believe that he will be successful in any system.
Best Fit: Los Angeles Chargers - He would be in the spread majority of the time (like at Oklahoma), they have a lot of young weapons already there with receivers Mike Williams, Keenan Allen and Tight End Hunter Henry. But, I wouldn't be surprised if the Chargers signed free agent Cam Newton to a short-term deal, even if they did draft Hurts.
Ideal team: Seattle Seahawks - He wouldn't be a starter (unless an injury happens to Wilson). But this would be a great way to groom your next quarterback after Russell Wilson's contract is up. Reminds me of the Green Bay Packers drafting Aaron Rodgers when they had Brett Favre.
Worst Fit: Any team playing power offense football. I believe Hurts is better when the offense is spread out, playing fast and when the ball is in his hands.
Jalen Hurts is getting ready to take the next leap of his career. As of right now, he is not projected to go first-round. However, that could all change, his talent shows he has first-round value. I believe that Hurts could be the next Russell Wilson of the league. A third-round pick who develops into a franchise quarterback. Will he drop that low? We will see during the draft weekend. The NFL draft is April 23-25. This will be the first ever virtual draft, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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