I am watching the Oklahoma/K State for my first extended look at Jalen Hurts as his numbers this year are just gaudy. A few things stand out after the first half....
1-Hurts still moves like a running back playing quarterback. Even when dropping back on obvious passing downs, he pauses, bounces around looking for an opportunity/excuse to run, as if it is his preference. He looks great running the ball, but he takes hits from the defenders just like a running back, rather than a QB.
2- When he does pass, his downfield passes look good by and large, but has been greatly aided by an outstanding core of wide receivers who actively attack the ball. However his choice of targets has been questionable at times.
3- Freshman like mistake by Hurts at the end of the 1st half almost cost his team a scoring opportunity. With 9 seconds left, he had the ball around the 25 yard line with a chance for 1 shot at the end zone or pass to set up a shorter field goal attempt This should have been a 1 read decision- quick drop back and execute your throw based upon your read. Hurts proceeds to drop back, pause...bounce around, and gets sacked with 2 seconds left. He gets bailed out by a long field goal by his kicker.
So based upon this small sample size, I am not sure Hurts is worthy of a top 15 pick. It looks to me that he would need a minimum of a 1 year red shirt season in the NFL to help with decision making, reading defenses, and learn to maximize his athleticism to benefit him as a quarterback rather than a running back. The abilities he possesses are very apparent, but still need to be refined in order to be considered a franchise quarterback. Reminds me of too much of other talented college quarterbacks that have failed in the NFL. I certainly could be wrong, as much depends on the NFL team and coaching staff that drafts him. But if I were the Dolphins, Hurts would be no better than 5th on my list of QBs.
One mans thoughts, based upon what I saw at Alabama, and 1/2 of football at Oklahoma. Would love other thoughts and opinions of those who have seen a lot more of him than I.
GO FINS!
1-Hurts still moves like a running back playing quarterback. Even when dropping back on obvious passing downs, he pauses, bounces around looking for an opportunity/excuse to run, as if it is his preference. He looks great running the ball, but he takes hits from the defenders just like a running back, rather than a QB.
2- When he does pass, his downfield passes look good by and large, but has been greatly aided by an outstanding core of wide receivers who actively attack the ball. However his choice of targets has been questionable at times.
3- Freshman like mistake by Hurts at the end of the 1st half almost cost his team a scoring opportunity. With 9 seconds left, he had the ball around the 25 yard line with a chance for 1 shot at the end zone or pass to set up a shorter field goal attempt This should have been a 1 read decision- quick drop back and execute your throw based upon your read. Hurts proceeds to drop back, pause...bounce around, and gets sacked with 2 seconds left. He gets bailed out by a long field goal by his kicker.
So based upon this small sample size, I am not sure Hurts is worthy of a top 15 pick. It looks to me that he would need a minimum of a 1 year red shirt season in the NFL to help with decision making, reading defenses, and learn to maximize his athleticism to benefit him as a quarterback rather than a running back. The abilities he possesses are very apparent, but still need to be refined in order to be considered a franchise quarterback. Reminds me of too much of other talented college quarterbacks that have failed in the NFL. I certainly could be wrong, as much depends on the NFL team and coaching staff that drafts him. But if I were the Dolphins, Hurts would be no better than 5th on my list of QBs.
One mans thoughts, based upon what I saw at Alabama, and 1/2 of football at Oklahoma. Would love other thoughts and opinions of those who have seen a lot more of him than I.
GO FINS!
