The fans in Philadelphia are vociferous. The Eagles gave them something to roar about in the second round of the NFL Draft Friday.
Doug Pederson and the Eagles have a lot of money tied up in Carson Wentz, who got a $128M contract with $66M guaranteed in 2019. So, why would the Eagles dip into the quarterback pool in the second round and draft Oklahoma QB Jalen Hurts.
Next stop for @JalenHurts: Philly
The @OU_Football QB is headed to the @Eagles!
📺: 2020 #NFLDraft on NFLN/ESPN/ABC
📱: https://t.co/G7fI4KRbG7 pic.twitter.com/NZXxGZ5wKT— NFL (@NFL) April 25, 2020
Introducing your newest Eagle, @JalenHurts!#EaglesDraft | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/aZ8UOt0i40
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) April 25, 2020
Hurts played for the Sooners last season after transferring from Alabama. He accounted for 7,500 yards in three seasons with the Tide and topped it with 5,000 yards of total offense in 2020.
Wentz and Hurts do have something in common: Their replacements led respective teams to championships. Nick Foles took over when Wentz was hurt and led the Eagles to their lone Super Bowl victory. Hurts was replaced by Tua Tagovailoa, who gave Alabama a thrilling College Football Playoff title.
Wentz has missed games multiple times due to injury and there was the kneejerk reaction Hurts cam do for the Birds what Taysom Hill brings to the Saints.
The shock was heard throughout the Twitterverse after the 53rd selection was announced.
Eagles fans after hearing the Eagles drafted Jalen Hurts pic.twitter.com/rnp3lQpo7Q
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) April 25, 2020
If you take the view that they think Hurts might need to be their starting quarterback for a significant stretch, that undermines everything they have said about Carson Wentz for four years, and the contract they gave him. They look stupid if he does play and stupid if he doesn't
— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) April 25, 2020
I believe in Jalen Hurts. I'm surprised Philly took him. Eagles must not trust Wentz's durability and they might want to use Jalen as an occasional runner/passer. He's capable of leading an NFL team to the playoffs as a starting QB.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 25, 2020
The Broncos supported Drew Lock by drafting Jeudy and Hamler.
The Cowboys supported Dak Prescott by adding Lamb to Cooper and Gallup.
The Eagles supported Carson Wentz by…drafting Jalen Hurts.
— Patrick (@EaglesPMC) April 25, 2020
Wentz is breaking franchise records with practice squad receivers and this is how you treat him?
— Alex🦅 (@IcyWentz) April 25, 2020
Jalen Hurts and Carson Wentz discussing that time their backups came in for them and won championships. pic.twitter.com/p7JmNB0D9j
— Kyle Madson (@KyleAMadson) April 25, 2020