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In last Tuesday’s Jumbo Package, there was a link to an article musing whether Jalen Hurts is NFL-ready. The original source’s hook was based on a hypothetical what-if the NFL had a one-and-done rule like the NBA employs. #OffSeasonFodder While the unanimous thought is that heck no he is not ready, it is no knock against the Crimson Tide quarterback. Football is a physically punishing sport and the NFL is no place for a teenager.
However back here in the real world, there is a good chance that Hurts could become a starting quarterback in the NFL. For the quarterback position, the college game has seen a faster evolution than that of the NFL. In the pro ranks, the top field generals like Tom Brady, Ben Roethlisberger, Matt Ryan, Eli Manning, etc. are still the flat-footed big-arms who will run the ball as the very last resort. Yet there is a wave of younger QBs who can actually pass and run the ball. While 4 out of 5 dentists surveyed recommend not making RPOs a regular staple of the NFL quarterback’s game plan, scrambling for yardage can be effective when things break down.
It may or may not surprise some of you that only ten NFL QBs had over 200 yards rushing last season (it should not surprise you that Brady had only 64). Atop of that heap was Tyrod Taylor by a wide margin:
Name | Rush | Yds | Avg | TD | 1st | # <0 | Yds | Fum | Lost | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th |
Tyrod Taylor | 95 | 580 | 6.1 | 6 | 26 | 6 | -18 | 4 | 2 | 253 | 177 | 135 | 32 |
Colin Kaepernick | 69 | 468 | 6.8 | 2 | 25 | 3 | -9 | 9 | 3 | 181 | 107 | 199 | 8 |
Blake Bortles | 65 | 395 | 6.1 | 4 | 19 | 3 | -8 | 8 | 6 | 135 | 125 | 111 | 22 |
Aaron Rodgers | 67 | 369 | 5.5 | 4 | 22 | 2 | -5 | 8 | 4 | 132 | 107 | 133 | 7 |
Cam Newton | 90 | 359 | 4.0 | 5 | 19 | 5 | -16 | 2 | 2 | 138 | 93 | 122 | 3 |
Marcus Mariota | 59 | 357 | 6.1 | 2 | 18 | 1 | -2 | 9 | 5 | 125 | 139 | 93 | 0 |
Andrew Luck | 63 | 351 | 5.6 | 2 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 116 | 86 | 160 | 17 |
Dak Prescott | 57 | 282 | 5.0 | 6 | 13 | 1 | -1 | 9 | 4 | 119 | 118 | 65 | 2 |
Russell Wilson | 72 | 259 | 3.6 | 1 | 14 | 6 | -18 | 8 | 3 | 142 | 66 | 66 | 0 |
Matthew Stafford | 37 | 207 | 5.6 | 2 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 41 | 66 | 104 | 3 |
(# <0 stands for Rushes Less Than Zero Yards)
Overall, Taylor was 28th in the League in rushing yards.
As a four year starter at Virginia Tech, his numbers certainly do not overwhelm the stats from Hurts’ first Alabama campaign.
TYROD TAYLOR, VA TECH
PASSING | RUSHING | |||||||||||
YEAR | ATT | CMP | PCT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | RAT | ATT | YDS | AVG | TD |
2007 | 134 | 72 | 53.7 | 927 | 6.9 | 5 | 3 | 119.7 | 102 | 420 | 4.1 | 6 |
2008 | 173 | 99 | 57.2 | 1036 | 6 | 2 | 7 | 103.2 | 147 | 738 | 5 | 7 |
2009 | 243 | 136 | 56 | 2311 | 9.5 | 13 | 5 | 149.4 | 106 | 370 | 3.5 | 5 |
2010 | 315 | 188 | 59.7 | 2743 | 8.7 | 24 | 5 | 154.8 | 146 | 659 | 4.5 | 5 |
TOTAL | 865 | 495 | 226.6 | 7017 | 31.1 | 44 | 20 | 527.1 | 501 | 2187 | 17.1 | 23 |
JALEN HURTS, ALABAMA
PASSING | RUSHING | |||||||||||
YEAR | ATT | CMP | PCT | YDS | AVG | TD | INT | RAT | ATT | YDS | AVG | TD |
2016 | 382 | 240 | 62.8 | 2780 | 7.3 | 23 | 9 | 139.1 | 191 | 954 | 5 | 13 |
While Hurts may not appear to resemble what Taylor has become just yet, check out some of the pre-2011 NFL Draft thoughts on the former Hokie.
From CBSSports’ Rob Rang:
The 2010 ACC Offensive Player of the Year, Taylor set a variety of Hokies' records, including all-time marks for total offense, passing yards, rushing yards by a quarterback and career wins.
As an NFL draft prospect, Taylor is best described as a Wildcat QB prospect who has potential at other positions. A tremendous natural athlete with great heart and fire for the game, Taylor does not possess the pure passing ability to make an NFL roster as a quarterback, but his skill set is similar to that of Jets versatile receiver/returner Brad Smith in that he will reward a creative NFL team as a special team/role player who can spice up a wildcat as a rookie and beyond.
Analysis
Positives: Three-year starter and an athletic dual-threat quarterback prospect who can make big plays with his arm and his legs. Demonstrates good accuracy when using proper footwork and decent arm strength. Had an outstanding 24-5 TD/INT ratio as a senior, when his ability to read defenses improved vastly. Very fast and elusive. Has the athletic ability to be projected as a running back or wide receiver.
Negatives: Awkward delivery includes a wind-up and a hitch in the throwing motion, with his wrist turned with the ball almost 180 degrees before the elbow moves forward. Whether the NFL wishes to correct that may depend on his role -- as a gadget quarterback who plays wide receiver, he could get away with it. Holds the ball too long in the pocket. Doesn't secure the ball when running. Loses accuracy when he doesn't maintain proper footwork.
Continuing on that theme:
From NFL.com
Overview
Taylor is a hard working kid that has improved every year, but it is unclear if he can play quarterback at the next level. He has a quick release and a strong arm, but he is somewhat erratic as a passer. He also does not show the consistent sound decision making to be an efficient quarterback. His greatest asset is his athleticism and he should be able to contribute immediately as a running back, receiver or return man. A terrific senior season, where he completed nearly 60% of his passes, has helped his draft stock and he could sneak into the third round.
Analysis
Strengths
Taylor is an excellent athlete with a thick muscular build. Has excellent mobility and continually evades the rush while keeping his eyes downfield. Has above average arm strength and flashes the ability to fit the ball into tight windows on short to intermediate routes. Team leader and fierce competitor.
Weaknesses
Does not possess adequate height and too many of his passes are knocked down at the line. Sloppy footwork prevents him from stepping into throws making him an erratic passer. Locks onto receivers and often telegraphs his throws. Struggles breaking down coverage and makes too many ill-advised throws.
At the 2011 NFL Combine, Taylor measured 6'1" and 217 lbs. Despite what the video above says, he ran a 4.47 in the 40-yard dash - fastest among QBs that year.
Hurts is currently listed at 6'2" and 214. He was timed at 4.48 seconds in the 40 during Alabama spring workouts this past March.
As for Tyrod Taylor, he was drafted by the Ravens in the sixth round of the 2011 Draft, the 11th quarterback selected that year, behind someone named Nathan Enderle. He sat on the bench behind Joe Flacco for four years before signing with the Bills as a free agent. He made the Pro Bowl in his first year in Buffalo but was not picked this past season despite almost identical stats. The strength of his game is his allusiveness while still being able to throw the deep pass. See if his game looks familiar to you:
Many of the numbers and measurables compare but Hurts still has room for improvement. Fortunately for him, he will have former NFL Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll to tutor him.
Jalen Hurts could become the next Tyrod Taylor. But then again, he could be better.
Poll
Will Jalen Hurts be good enough to play QB in the NFL?
This poll is closed
-
21%
Yes! He will start as a rookie.
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56%
He may need to be a back-up for a few years but will eventually become a starter.
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16%
He may seem spot duty but mostly a back-up.
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3%
He might be better at another position.
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2%
Other (see my charming witticisms in comments).
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