Despite leading the Philadelphia Eagles to a Super Bowl victory and earning MVP honors, quarterback Jalen Hurts remains a subject of intense debate among NFL analysts. The central question fueling offseason discussions is whether his success is a product of elite individual talent or the result of operating within one of the league’s most formidable offensive units. This debate is reflected in the wide-ranging and often contentious quarterback rankings from major sports media outlets.
Several prominent analysts have expressed skepticism, placing Hurts lower than many fans would expect. NBC Sports analyst Chris Simms, for instance, ranked Hurts at No. 10, arguing that he benefits from a “super team” and can secure wins without a flawless performance. Simms, who placed quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield and rookie Jayden Daniels ahead of Hurts, noted that Philadelphia’s roster provides advantages that other top quarterbacks do not enjoy.
SBNation’s ranking proved even more polarizing by omitting Hurts entirely from its top 10 and three honorable mentions. The list featured C.J. Stroud, Jordan Love, and Dak Prescott, with the publication citing Stroud’s poise and accuracy under pressure as justification for his inclusion.
In its annual poll of anonymous NFL executives, coaches, and scouts, ESPN positioned Hurts at No. 9. While voters acknowledged he is a definite top-10 talent, they questioned whether his pocket-passing ability is developed enough to elevate him into the top five. One common comparison made by voters was to a younger Russell Wilson, suggesting Hurts thrives with a strong running game and may not be suited for a pass-heavy system. The ranking is, however, an improvement from his spot in the honorable mentions category the previous year.
Conversely, other outlets have placed Hurts among the league’s elite. Bleacher Report ranked him as the No. 5 quarterback, behind only Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, and Josh Allen. The analysis praised Hurts as one of the most “uniquely productive” offensive players in the sport, highlighting his consistent dual-threat capability. At the same time, it echoed a common sentiment by questioning how effective he would be without his dominant supporting cast.
Pro Football Focus also placed Hurts at No. 5, categorizing him as a “high-end starter.” PFF credited his most recent campaign as a “return to form,” praising his poise and control under pressure. The outlet noted that over the past three seasons, Hurts’ 91.5 overall grade ranks fifth among all quarterbacks, substantiating his position as one of the league’s premier players at the position.
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