Detroit Lions: Making the Case to Draft Jalen Hurts

The Detroit Lions desperately need to address their backup quarterback situation. Perhaps they look towards Jalen Hurts to solidify the position?

The NFL Draft is always an exciting time; it’s basically the Detroit Lions Super Bowl since they’ve never won one, and haven’t even gotten close to winning one, to be honest. It’s never too early for some draft chatter.

The last time Detroit won a title, it was during the pre-Super Bowl era back in 1957. Since then, Detroit has won just one playoff game, that came in 1991. The Lions have only won a mere 3 games in 2019, signaling another wasted season after winning just 6 last year.

Before imploding after a respectable start to the season (2-0-1), the Lions offense was cruising with Darrell Bevell reading the coordinates and Matthew Stafford steering the ship. Bevell’s downfield attacking offense suits Stafford so much better than Jim Bob Cooter’s short conservative play calling.

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During the 2018 season, the franchise quarterback suffered a back injury that included broken bones. Yes, we’ve all heard it, but it’s worth writing again. The man was playing with a broken back.

That same injury crept back up again this season, limiting Stafford to just 8 games. He was on pace to have the best all-around season of his career. It further confirms the positive impact of Darrell Bevell’s playcalling.

Detroit has rostered a whopping eleven QB’s this season. Jeff Driskel and David Blough have both made starts, but week 17, the team may turn the keys over to Kyle Sloter. All very underwhelming backup QB’s.

Detroit still has an opportunity to land the second overall pick in the draft. It’s the perfect situation for them as they have so many holes to plug throughout there roster nothing more urgent than landing a pass-rusher. Ohio State’s Chase Young falling into their lap would be a dream scenario.

With so many other issues throughout the roster, Detroit can’t afford to select a QB that early in the draft, even if they are picking anywhere between 3-5 in the draft.

But they should consider Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts with their second-round choice if he happens to be available.

With the emergence of Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts’ skill-set becomes much more desirable throughout the league. At the moment, he’s sneaking into the backend of the first-round in many mock drafts. If he’s there when Detroit picks in the second round, he should be heavily considered.

Having a 31-year old franchise quarterback in place doesn’t warrant taking a QB unless Joe Burrows is available, and he won’t be. But having a 31-year old QB with a lingering back injury does support taking a QB with a second-round pick.

Hurts, a dual-threat quarterback who’s drastically improved his passing ability under the direction of Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley. Oklahoma has turned into a quarterback factory producing a pair of first overall picks in back to back years.

Hurts will be competing for a National Championship as he leads the hopeful Sooners against LSU in the Peach Bowl this Saturday. An upset win over the favored Tigers will grant them a chance to compete in the National Title game.

Jalen Hurts was a Heisman Trophy Finalist but missed out on the award to fellow QB, Joe Burrow. Hurts has thrown for 3634 yards, producing 32 touchdowns and just 7 interceptions. He’s galloped for another 1255 rushing yards, including 18 touchdowns. He’s also caught a touchdown this season on a play that resembled the ‘Philly Special.’ Wouldn’t he be an excellent insurance policy sitting behind Matthew Stafford?

There is no reason Detroit can’t place Hurts behind Stafford for a couple of years and eventually turning the keys of the franchise over to him if he’s deemed ready as Stafford reaches his mid-30s. Remember, even Patrick Mahomes sat one season behind Alex Smith.

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Detroit should be desperate to add a reliable backup quarterback if not via free agency, the NFL Draft, and why not Jalen Hurts?

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