Jacksonville Jaguars: Would the team look at drafting Jalen Hurts?

While the Jacksonville Jaguars are set to go with Gardner Minshew at quarterback this season, would they take a look at drafting Jalen Hurts from Oklahoma to compete as a backup?

Coming off a spectacular season under Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma, quarterback Jalen Hurts is a high risk, high reward type player in the 2020 NFL Draft, but should the Jacksonville Jaguars roll the dice on the talented signal-caller?

In his senior season, Hurts threw for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions, and had a 38-4 record as a starter during his time with the Sooners and Alabama Crimson Tide.

There are questions as to whether or not Hurts’ game can translate to the NFL, especially if his senior season is the by-product of a Riley offensive scheme that lends itself to success. What makes Hurts so special is his dual-threat ability. He can win with his legs which were evident at Oklahoma, as he ran for 1,323 yards and a whopping 21 touchdowns.

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Those video game-like numbers come from Hurts’ athletic prowess, at 6’2 and 218 pounds with a 4.59 40-yard dash. Hurts has a strong lower body, running like a receiver or running back once he escapes the pocket and is difficult to bring down.

Those rushing abilities heighten Hurts’ ability as a thrower on the run, consistently making impressive throws while moving.

Hurts can really benefit and can be at his best in a read-option system in the NFL with run-pass options and rollouts. The Jacksonville Jaguars are in the market for playmakers and could benefit from a player like Hurts, who could be used in multiple formations on the field.

But Hurts talent at being a dual-threat also limits him, showing problems trusting his blockers once pressure arrives, opting to immediately leave the pocket instead of composing himself braving the pressure.

The Jacksonville Jaguars offense looked lost at times last season where quarterback Gardner Minshew had to improvise on the move outside the pocket as it was collapsing around him. Also, the team will have Jay Gruden calling the plays as the team’s offensive coordinator this season.

That pocket awareness could be the reason for other problems for Hurts, like accuracy and poor anticipation that often leaves receivers having to contort to catch balls that were either underthrown or placed in difficult spots.

But with Hurts having much knowledge of big-time scenarios during his time at Alabama and Oklahoma could have prepared the strong quarterback for NFL situations and the leadership to lead a team. Many say that character cannot be built, which isn’t a concern for Hurts.

Once the bigger names like Justin Herbert, Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love are taken off the board, Hurts will be sought after and teams like the Jaguars can use its later round picks to bring him in and compete alongside Minshew.

When trying to determine a comparison for Hurts, a player like Taysom Hill comes to mind. Hurts can be a dynamic player for the Jaguars even if he’s not passing the football primarily.

A later round selection of Hurts can help the Jaguars strengthen its thin quarterback room and provide a solid backup quarterback who brings versatility and leadership.