Round 2, pick No. 59 – Jalen Hurts, QB, Oklahoma
Gruden would probably have liked to get Hurts in the third round, but everything he’s done since the end of last season has had his stock rising by the day. First, it was his performance at Senior Bowl practices where he was the most accurate quarterback on the field. Then he continued to impress at the combine where he ran a 4.59 40 among other impressive measurables. And he looked great in passing drills as well.
Hurts has his issues. I mean, if he didn’t, he’d be gone well before even the late second round. Lack of anticipation is a big one. Still, he’s as intriguing a prospect in the draft as there is. He is a coach’s son, so his understanding of the intricacies of the position and complex offenses is just what Gruden would like as a project. He’s also an outstanding athlete who can make something out of nothing if the play breaks down.
If you think he’s just a running QB, think again. He was 33 of 66 (50 percent) with 10 touchdowns on passes more than 20 yards downfield. He added another 22 touchdowns on passes inside 20 yards with just 8 interceptions while completing 70 percent of his passes. His average depth of target was 11.3 yards. And we already know he has chemistry with CeeDee Lamb who the Raiders just took at 12 overall.
Along with his 3,849 passing yards, Hurts ran for 1,298 yards and another 20 touchdowns. That’s 5149 yards from scrimmage and 52 touchdowns, which is…pretty good.
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