Eagles' Pederson 'really impressed' with Jalen Hurts in virtual offseason

The Philadelphia Eagles' virtual offseason ended Monday, and rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts' performance stood out to head coach Doug Pederson.

Pederson praised Hurts' ability to figure out a new playbook despite not being able to take the practice field.

"With Jalen, with young quarterbacks, you always have an idea or an understanding of where they are not only at the beginning of the offseason but at the end," Pederson told reporters Tuesday, including Eliot Shorr-Parks of 94WIP.com.

Pederson added, "(Hurts') growth from a mental standpoint from the beginning of the offseason to now has been very good. His ability to recall plays and recite plays … One thing (quarterbacks coach) Press Taylor has done is put him into a huddle situation where he is calling plays and being able to spit that back at him. He has done that at a really good, high level. Now it is just a matter of once we get him on the grass, he has to do it for real and go from there. But I have been really impressed with his progress this spring."

Despite signing Carson Wentz to a four-year, $128-million contract extension last June, the Eagles used their 2020 second-round pick to draft Hurts.

General manager Howie Roseman defended the selection, saying the Eagles "want to be a quarterback factory." Roseman also said that Hurts' "unique skill set" would give Philadelphia a chance to use him in a gadget role as a rookie.

The NFL extended the virtual offseason through June 26 with OTAs and minicamp canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic. Though most teams recently reopened facilities for coaches and a limited amount of personnel, it remains to be seen when players will be allowed to return.