NFL
By: Julio Olmo
The decision on Day 2 of NFL draft 2020 by the Philadelphia Eagles to use their second-round pick on Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts was puzzling to some.
But the day selecting a Runner-Up Heisman Trophy Candidate Player became a puzzling decision is a sad day for all NFL fans everywhere.
After transferring from Alabama, where he lost his job to Tua Tagovailoa, Hurts orchestrated a prolific senior season, passing for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns and just eight interceptions while rushing for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns.
But the 6-1, 222-pound Hurts had his doubters throughout the pre-draft process. Back in January at the Senior Bowl, numerous NFL talent evaluators, speaking to USA TODAY Sports on condition of anonymity for competitive reasons, raised concerns about his accuracy and expressed doubts that his skill set would translate to the NFL game.
They projected him as a mid-to-late-round pick.
However, those predictions came to pass, after the NFL Combine.
Philadelphia’s decision should have not raised any eyebrows for a couple of reasons.
The Eagles heavily invested in Carson Wentz, whom they drafted second overall in 2016 and just last summer signed to a four-year extension, while seemingly had more pressing needs elsewhere-particularly on defense! but their hands were tied.
Now is more than obvious why Nick Foles despite his strong wishes to Work-Out A Hometown Friendly Deal was let go and a Comically Purus defensive secondary was so horrible last season.
Head coach Doug Pederson is perfectly safe although his opinions on personnel decisions weigh heavily and General Manager Howie Roseman is still okay.
However, Carson Wentz’s window of opportunity is closing very fast.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ decision to draft a quarterback with their second pick, speaks volumes.
After sitting out Carson Wentz for the entire preseason a year ago, removing every shred of competition for his position thus saddling the team with a 40-year old back-up and a Clipboard Holding rookie weren’t’ very, very wise choices.
Any argument of Carson Wentz’s talents versus durability and no offensive weapons is a Moot Point at this stage, in his career.
All thanks to GM Howie Roseman and head coach Doug Pederson
