Value Or Insurance, Did Eagles Make Right Decision Drafting Jalen Hurts?
Just like in the 1st round, the Eagles had multiple options on the board. With WR Denzel Mims, DE A.J. Epenesa, CB Kristian Fulton, & S Jeremy Chinn still available, the Philadelphia Eagles had their choice of players at positions of need. Instead, the Eagles chose to shock the world with the 53rd pick. A pick at a position that is already locked up for the next 10-12 years.
With the 53rd overall pick, the Eagles selected Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts.
To no surprise, the Philadelphia faithful let Howie Roseman know their displeasure after the pick. Why? Is Wentz hurt? Didn’t Wentz already beat one QB controversy already? What does this mean?
Roseman’s response… “For better or for worse, we are quarterback developers. We want to be a quarterback factory. No team has benefited more from developing quarterbacks than the Philadelphia Eagles.”
Philadelphia is somewhat known for the role of the backup. Jeff Garcia in 2006. Michael Vick in 2009. Nick Foles in 2017. Josh McCown in 2019. All quarterbacks that gave the Eagles fans hope after their franchise QB went down.
But, was the 53rd pick in the 2020 NFL draft worth a backup?
Surprisingly, probably yes for multiple reasons.
#1 The Eagles Got A Winner
Jalen Hurts isn’t unknown to winning. During his college career, Hurts posted a record of 38-4 & two conference championships in three seasons of play. Last season at Oklahoma, Hurts led the Sooners to a 12-2 record & a Big-12 Championship. Before his lone season at Oklahoma, Hurts was the leader behind Alabama. Leading the Crimson Tide to a 26-2 record & a SEC Championship before being passed up at halftime in the National Championship game to Tua Tagovailoa.
In a position that is so valuable to the overall success of your team, a winner is needed. But, even bigger, confidence is needed. Using the 53rd pick on Hurts shows just how much confidence they have in Hurts to step in if Carson Wentz is injured and lead this team to victory.
#2 Insurance For Carson Wentz
Andrew Luck. Remember him? Luck was a former #1 overall pick and the leader of the Colts franchise. But, due to an injury, his career was cut short. His shocking decision to walk away left the Colts without a direction. In the world of sports today, this could happen to anyone, at anytime.
Over the past 3 seasons, Carson Wentz has suffered a season ending injury. Torn ACL in 2017, broken back in 2018, & concussion last season. This isn’t a concern for many. It shows that the leader of the Eagles is willing to put his body on the line to win a game. Threw TD on torn ACL & played 6 weeks after breaking his back.
The investment in Hurts is a valuable way to insure their investment in franchise QB Carson Wentz. No need for an expensive backup or for Carson Wentz to change the way he plays. The Eagles now have a QB tandem that they trust can win for at most $35M a season.
#3 Investment In QB Room
A silver lining to the Eagles getting Hurts is an investment in the QB room for at least 4 years. The most valuable position on the roster, behind the starter, is solved. If the Eagles had enough confidence to draft Hurts with the 53rd overall pick, they have faith in him to win football games if needed.
Similar moves have been made in the past. Brett Favre & Mark Brunell in Green Bay. Tom Brady & Jimmy Garoppolo in New England. Investing in your QB position is something that is done very often. But, when you get the chance to draft a proven winner in Jalen Hurts in the latter part of the 2nd round, the value is too hard to pass up.
In 2007, the Eagles drafted Kevin Kolb with the 36th overall pick. Four years later, they traded Kolb to Arizona for a 2nd round pick & former 1st round pick Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Just like Kolb, Jalen Hurts value could be doubled in 4 years time.
#4 Taysom Hill Playbook
NFL teams are always picking plays and packages from other teams. The Eagles fabricated the “Philly Special” from watching some college football plays. For Hurts to get on the field, could the Eagles be taking some Taysom Hill packages from the Saints?
Jalen Hurts ran for 3300 yards & 43 TDs in his college career. Including an impressive 1300 yards & 20 TDs last season at Oklahoma. But, in true borrowing fashion, Hurts caught a touchdown last season in a formation that Eagles fans know very well.
Adding Hurts to the fold brings the Taysom Hill playbook somewhat with him. But, it doesn’t stop there. Remember the good old WR pass or double lateral? The mind of Doug Pederson must be going crazy right now coming up with new ideas on how to implement a two-QB set to the Eagles offense.
Initially, the pick of Jalen Hurts might have come as a shock. But, look farther down the line. Would you rather have Nate Sudfeld or Jalen Hurts entering the game if Carson Wentz suffers an injury?