Eagles take Jalen Hurts in 2nd round

The Philadelphia Eagles made the first shocking move of Day 2, selecting quarterback Jalen Hurts out of Oklahoma in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, 53rd overall.

The 2019 Heisman finalist was widely tipped to be taken in the second round, but his landing spot is surprising considering the presence of Carson Wentz and with Philadelphia looking to compete for a Super Bowl.

While Wentz is entrenched as the Eagles' starter after signing a four-year, $128-million extension in June 2019, the former No. 2 overall pick has dealt with injuries throughout his career.

Most recently, Wentz was knocked out of his first postseason start against the Seattle Seahawks with a head injury. The 40-year-old Josh McCown was forced to replace Wentz in the playoff loss.

Hurts, who transferred to Oklahoma for 2019 after a standout career at Alabama, will likely battle with Nate Sudfeld to be Wentz's backup.

The 21-year-old threw for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns to eight interceptions in 2019. He also rushed for 1,298 yards and 20 scores.

Prospect Profile

School: Oklahoma
Height: 6-1
Weight: 222 lbs

Positives

• Generally accurate on short and intermediate throws
• Improving touch and trajectory on vertical shots
• Incredible sense for pressure and ability to extend plays by improvising
• Maintains accuracy when throwing on the run
• Turns into a running back with ability on designed runs
• Powerful and shifty as a ball carrier
• Rises to the occasion to make plays in big moments
• Reputation as a great leader

Negatives

• Long release
• Too quick to pull it down and run
• Spotty decision-making can lead to turnovers
• Must continue to improve finer aspects of ball placement
• Production suffered against top opponents
• Only one year of consistent production as a passer

Bottom Line

Hurts is far and away the most interesting name in the second tier of quarterbacks. He didn't seem to have much of an NFL future after failing to show much promise as a passer at Alabama and losing his starting job to Tagovailoa. Then came his transfer to Oklahoma, where Hurts' production went through the roof. It's fair to wonder just how much Lincoln Riley's offense propped him up considering the limitations he'd demonstrated beforehand, but Hurts made some major strides as a passer and now comes with a ton of upside. If some early-career development can help him to make quicker and better decisions with the football, he can be a solid starter at the next level. His ability to contribute as a high-volume runner and make off-script plays in the passing game makes him a particularly intriguing prospect in today's NFL.