Reaction to SI's Draft Grades for Jalen Hurts & Josh Jones
Andy Benoit provided instant analysis and a grade for every pick in Rounds 2 & 3 on Friday night, Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles picked Oklahoma Sooners QB Jalen Hurts with the 53rd overall pick. SI's Conor Orr argued that this was a pick the Eagles could afford to make. However, Benoit wasn't as kind with his draft grade:
Carson Wentz has obviously been injury prone, but it’s highly unlikely that Philadelphia would spend a second-round pick on an insurance policy here, and it is inconceivable that they’d even contemplate replacing a 27-year-old QB who has superstar traits. Most likely, Hurts is here to be a utility gadget player for offensive scientist Doug Pederson. But don’t make any Taysom Hill comparisons; Hurts is merely a dual-threat QB, he’s not a blocker or receiver on top of that. This is a strange pick by a ready-to-win-now team that could still use another wide receiver and needs a potential starting linebacker.
GRADE: D
With the No. 72 overall pick, the Arizona Cardinals selected Houston OT Josh Jones. The big-bodied prospect slid very far where many expected him to go, providing an excellent value for the Cards. Benoit handed out a very favorable review:
This is much later than many expected the Houston product to go. With Marcus Gilbert being 32, having some injury history and entering the final year of his contract, this was a no-brainer selection for Cardinals GM Steve Keim.
GRADE: A
Stick with SI.com throughout the weekend for in-depth coverage of the 2020 NFL Draft, including the impact of prominent rookies joining new teams, team-by-team breakdowns, fantasy football and gambling reactions, draft grades and so much more.
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