Carolina Panthers: Five potential draft targets in the Senior Bowl

Jalen Hurts, QB — Oklahoma

Another option the Panthers have to shore up the quarterback position is Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts. As most football fans know, Hurts spent his first three seasons at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide to a 26-2 record and two national championships. In 2018, he spent the entire year as the backup to Tua Tagovailoa, before coming in in relief to guide Alabama to a comeback victory in the SEC Championship. Hurts transferred to Oklahoma for the 2019 season, and took the Sooners to their third-straight College Football Playoff appearance.

Ever since the Newton injury, Hurts has been a named often linked to Carolina. New head coach Matt Rhule has a history of succeeding with mobile quarterbacks, and the Alabama/Oklahoma product certainly fits that bill. As a senior at Oklahoma, Hurts rushed for 1,298 yards and 20 touchdowns, on top of passing for nearly 3,900 yards and 32 more scores. 2019 was his best collegiate season by far, both on the ground and through the air. Some of his numbers may be inflated by the fact that he played 10 games against Big 12 defenses; however, one thing remains clear: Hurts flat out balled this past season. He was rewarded with the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year award, as well as being named a first-team All-Big 12 selection, and a second-place finish in the Heisman voting.

Once again resorting to thedraftnetwork.com, Hurts’ scouting report offers a lot to like. The 21-year-old is obviously one of the most dangerous players in the country outside the pocket, and uses that to his advantage in helping receivers get open. He isn’t a dead-eye accuracy type of guy, but his ability to extend plays tends to open up plenty of passing lanes. Hurts has good arm strength and is as poised (both on and off the field) as they come. On top of that, he has done nothing but improve since his freshman year in 2016. If the Panthers want a player similar to Cam Newton’s style, Hurts should be their guy.