Carolina Panthers Draft: Is Jalen Hurts worth the gamble?
By Dean Jones
Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts is one of the most polarizing prospects entering the 2020 NFL Draft, but should he be considered by the Carolina Panthers?
The Carolina Panthers may be looking to improve their backup quarterback options during the 2020 NFL Draft. Oklahoma standout Jalen Hurts is one of the more intriguing prospects and warrants consideration in the mid-rounds.
Teddy Bridgewater recently signed a three-year, $63 million deal in Carolina to prize him away from the New Orleans Saints. The organization has bet big that he can make the most of a starting opportunity after making an exceptional recovery from a career-threatening leg injury.
If things do not work out as expected for Bridgewater, a contingency plan will need to be put in place. The Panthers have an out with their new signal-caller in 2022 and someone will need to be developed in case things go wrong.
Hurts might not be ready to start right away. But he offers more than current backup options Will Grier and P.J Walker given his outstanding skill set. The quarterback is an enticing proposition to work with and could be a coaches’ dream if he works out the kinks in his game.
The Panthers invested heavily in their offense during free agency. They are also short of numbers defensively and this must be addressed with some high-profile college recruits in the draft.
If Hurts is still around by the time they’ve filled these needs, could the Panthers take a flier on the running gunslinger?