Packers Fans Should Be Nervously Excited About Stealing Jalen Hurts on Day 2 of the NFL Draft
By Scott Rogust
As anyone who keeps tabs on the NFL knows, Aaron Rodgers only has a limited number of years left in his career before it's time to hang 'em up. With that in mind, the Green Bay Packers have done their homework on prospects like Utah State's Jordan Love in the pre-NFL Draft process, but a new name has entered the fray that stands to get fans excited.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Packers have been in touch with Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts. He figures to be a potential option on the second day of this month's draft.
Two interesting teams who have been in touch with and monitoring #OU QB Jalen Hurts: The #Packers and the #Chargers. Both had meetings set up with him and have done virtual calls. Both have a veteran (of varying degrees) in as the starter and are expected to look to the future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 14, 2020
Love is projected to go in the first round of the draft later this month, which isn't the best investment to make with the 30th overall pick. Considering Love is a boom-or-bust signal caller, the Packers are better off using a Day 2 pick on a developmental quarterback like Hurts.
The former Alabama Crimson Tide star joined the Sooners this past season, and he impressed in the offense of head coach Lincoln Riley. Hurts completed 69.7% of his passes for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while rushing for 1,298 yards and 20 scores on 233 carries. He OU to a College Football Playoff appearance and was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
Just Like That?
— IKE Packers (@IKE_Packers) April 14, 2020
The Green Bay Packers held a virtual meeting with Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts #WatchList pic.twitter.com/yueA1NlWvG
As the stats prove, Hurts is a dual-threat quarterback that can succeed in the right situation. Green Bay could be perfect landing spot for Hurts, as he can learn head coach Matt LaFleur's creative offense and pick the brain of one of the all-time greats in Rodgers. Hurts likely isn't ready to start in the NFL right away anyway, so a team with an established, rock solid QB1 is the right fit for him.
Packers fans can get excited, but they must also be wary, as the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys have shown interest in Hurts and could snatch before the Packers are on the clock with the 62nd overall pick. All told, it's a narrative worth following as draft day approaches.