In A Quarterback-Driven League, They Don't All Have To Be First-Rounders

NASHVILLE - Now that Super Bowl LVII is in the books, the spotlight shifts away from the two participants toward the upcoming free-agency period and draft, where despite the Kansas City Chiefs championship win on Sunday, all teams return to equal moving into the 2023 season.

One of the biggest takeaways from Sunday's game for me when comparing these two teams to the current state of the Titans was the play of Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, a former second-round selection, who in just his second season in the league took his team to the brink of a championship.

While Hurts first-half fumble resulted directly in a Chiefs touchdown that could be blamed for his team's loss, Hurts outplayed his counterpart, Patrick Mahomes, at least statistically, and they say stats don't lie.

For the game, Hurts finished 21-27 for 304 yards and one touchdown (45 yards to former Titan AJ Brown). He ran for 70 yards and three touchdowns, tying an NFL record for rushing touchdowns in a Super Bowl game. Like his freshman season at Alabama, Hurts Crimson Tide team was leading, and his Eagles were tied when he left the field for the last time in the college championship game and last night in the Super Bowl.

What does this have to do with the current state of the Titans?

As previously mentioned, the Titans have a tough decision to make on the future of their quarterback position and have been rumored to have kicked the tires on a possible trade-up in the draft to secure one of the top prospects, Hurts performance proves that while the man behind center is of utmost importance, they do not have to be a first-rounder to get the job done.

The Titans currently have Josh Dobbs, a journeyman they signed late in 2022. He played respectably well considering the lack of time he had to learn the system before being thrust into the lineup, and last year's third-round pick, Malik Willis, as contenders. Then there's Ryan Tannehill, last season's starter, before injury took him out late in the season.

Of course, there is the free-agency route, where new reports indicate that Derek Carr will not accept a reported trade to the Saints and will be released by the Raiders. His name has been mentioned as an option.

But what about drafting a quarterback in the second round?

Granted, there don't appear to be any Jalen Hurts-type players that will be sitting there awaiting a call from picks 32-62, but could there be a guy who might be able to do for the Titans what we saw from Hurts or the injury-riddled revolving door of quarterbacks with the San Francisco 49er's this season?

New Titans GM Ran Carthon was part of the drafting of Brock Purdy before he left to join the Titans. That history, along with the current situation of his new team, lends one to speculate if he could look to the second or even a later round for a diamond in the rough.

One name from this draft class that comes to mind is Stanford signal-caller, Tanner McKee.

A twenty-three-year-old, McKee is an older rookie; he's married and has been on a Mormon mission trip. He's also 6'6" and 230 and has a big arm. His numbers last season aren't gaudy like some quarterback entering the draft; he amassed 2,947 yards, 13 touchdowns, eight picks, and a 62% completion rate as a senior for the Cardinal.

Could the Titans win with someone like this?

That remains to be seen, but one thing is sure, Hurts proves that you don't always have to be a first-rounder to be a darn good NFL quarterback.

QB Envey, What Might Have Been: Tom Brew looks at what might have been for the Titans and others who passed on drafting Patrick Mahomes. CLICK HERE

Tyler's Take: Our Tyler Rowland looks at Taylor Lewan and his future with the Titans. CLICK HERE

Ranking Draft Classes No.10: The first in our series, ranking the top ten Titans draft classes of all time. CLICK HERE

Add us as a preferred source on Google