The Philadelphia Eagles believe they’ll need a top-tier quarterback in relief of Carson Wentz to ensure that the organization’s playoff aspirations aren’t placed into peril by another freak injury to the face of the franchise.
Howie Roseman shook up the NFL draft, feeling the need to snag Oklahoma Sooners star Jalen Hurts at No. 53, rather than risk another team taking him before the Eagles third-round pick at No. 107.
There will be a debate for years surrounding the merit of the pick and whether Hurts was brought in to shore up the Eagles backup quarterback situation or possibly as an eventual replacement for Wentz at a cheaper price.
Pro Football Focus recently broke down the pick and they don’t believe the pick solid, they are grading the pick out as very good to excellent based on an estimation and value system from Football Outsiders.
It’s not just numbers geeks who see this potential in Hurts. Doug Pederson explained on the Eagles’ post-draft conference call that they see Lamar Jackson as a fair comp for Hurts — and that senior offensive consultant Marty Mornhinweg, who was with the Ravens when they chose Jackson, was influential in the Eagles’ decision to draft Hurts.
The formula and insinuation assume that because Wentz and Hurts are teammates, it’ll likely increase the chance of the former Sooners star reaching QB1 status or at worst, becoming a solid NFL starter.
If such is the case, Eagles fans should be excited about the future, as Hurts will either fetch serious compensation or he’ll force Philadelphia team officials to make a decision between him and Carson Wentz.