“With the 53rd pick in the NFL Draft, the Eagles select QB Jalen Hurts – Oklahoma.” — Wait, what? Mims has thoughts on the Eagles draft
As I looked at the NFL Draft needs of the Eagles, the positions needed that jumped out at me were wide receiver, linebacker and running back. During the 2019 season, the lack of down-field production was glaring. The Eagles averaged 6.2 yards per play passing and they were ranked 21st. Prior to the draft, there were only 3 running backs on the roster that contributed to some issues in 2019. Another weakness I saw was that they haven’t seemed to value the linebacker position and have no proven leader in the current group.
“So, with the 53rd pick in the NFL Draft, the Eagles select QB Jalen Hurts – Oklahoma.”
The shock wave is still being felt 3 days later. Hurts was projected no earlier than the 3rd round based on analyst predictions from Mel Kiper and Todd McShay. A player that could have potentially been acquired in the 3rd or 4th was taken with the extremely valuable 2nd selection.
The perplexing aspect is the Eagles have a franchise QB in Carson Wentz. They have committed a four year, 128 million-dollar contract extension to their 27-year-old QB. You would think the chances of Hurts being on the field in the next two seasons are long odds at best.
This does not compare to the Packers drafting Jordan Love to back up Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers is 36 and under contract until 2023 — so they had to start looking for a replacement. That said, it did appear to be a tad early spending a 1st rounder on Love.
I have concluded that Coach Doug Pederson is excited about Hurts run- pass option potential. He can take more chances with Hurts than the injury prone Wentz. Hurts will have his own package — similar to Taysom Hill of the New Orleans Saints. If utilized correctly, Hurts could see the field in 2021 as part of the offense. He might play in goal line situations and the event that Wentz gets injured. I think see the plan, but it will have to grow on me.
Tell me what you think of the Eagles overall draft. Use the #GTLivechat and I will respond on Twitter tonight at 7:30PM EST.