Jalen Hurts: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
I said I would be doubling-down on a pick for Arians, and here is that Plan B.
Let’s posit for a moment that Arians decides that for whatever reason (LASIK, 33 touchdown passes, whatever) that Jameis Winston has earned another shot at Tampa Bay’s quarterback next season. So rather than address the position early, as many expect, they look elsewhere with their pick at 14 overall and think about addressing quarterback later. A more developmental type who might fit with where Arians and his offense is currently, but who might also fit with where the game is going in terms of a conceptual revolution.
Hurts could be precisely that type of player.
In terms of what Hurts can do, we know about his athleticism. Many have tried to force a comparison to Lamar Jackson, but the two players are vastly different quarterbacks. Where Jackson wants to beat you with a quick release as a passer and by making you miss as a runner, Hurts is more deliberate with his throwing motion, but also is willing to take people on with the football in his hands.
I first had this idea of Hurts in an Arians offense down in Mobile during the Senior Bowl. This was my first exposure to the Oklahoma/Alabama passer in person, and I was entranced by his ability to put touch and accuracy on the deep ball. This was something that is noticeable on film but really stood out. Play after play of Hurts dropping throws in the bucket got my mind working.
One of the areas of his game that does need refinement is what he does in scramble drill situations. Hurts is perhaps at his best when he is forced to create in the pocket, and he does a very good job at keeping his eyes downfield to scan for targets, and in a vertical-based offense that ability would be maximized.
Also, Hurts is better at reading defenses than he might get credit for. For example, his first throw against Iowa State this season saw him take a deep shot on a post route. The defense showed him a Cover 3 (middle of the field closed) look pre-snap but rotated to a Tampa 2 (middle of the field open) look as the play began. Hurts read it perfectly and took the deep shot to split the safeties as you would expect.
Arians will love throws like that.
Now people might wonder whether Hurts has the arm to thrive in an Arians offense, but watching the evolution of his passing mechanics from this season to the combine – which sounds like a great idea for an article *glances at his editors* – you can see how his mechanics have tightened up. Gone from Indianapolis was the long, loopy delivery and in its place was a much crisper throwing motion. Improved mechanics will help with his velocity.
There. Now I’ve put two potential parings on the table for Arians this season. May the odds ever be in my favor…