Is Jalen Hurts a viable long-term QB option for the Vikings?
By Dean Jones
Would Hurts fit well in Minnesota?
If the Vikings decide to take former Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts this year, they will be drafting a player with enormous promise.
He does need coaching up to be a good starter in the NFL. However, there are plenty of other ways for new Minnesota offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak to use Hurts in 2020 that will maximize his early production and give their offense a much-needed injection of creativity.
The Vikings’ offense was all-too-predictable last season and this came to the fore whenever running back Dalvin Cook was unable to make an impact. Having someone like Hurts on the roster would give Minnesota an additional running threat that can also make a difference in passing situations should the opportunity arise.
The former Oklahoma quarterback has the athleticism that Cousins cannot boast, which will no doubt come in handy for a Vikings offensive line that struggled to contain interior pass-rushers in 2019. Providing Hurts can make the necessary throws, then having him in certain situations under center to open up the field is going to benefit a formidable Minnesota offense considerably.
This is a roster that is littered with pass-catching talent that gives their quarterback the best possible chance to succeed. Providing Kubiak is willing to utilize the passing game more to take the pressure off Cook next season, then having someone like Hurts to use to creatively will do wonders for the Minnesota attack.
Having Hurts sit behind an experienced figure like Cousins and using him in specialist packages will also take the pressure off and aid his transition into the NFL substantially.