Jalen Hurts doesn’t know what his role will be with the Eagles

Everyone was surprised that the Eagles selected Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts at No. 53 in the 2020 NFL Draft — including the quarterback himself. Hurts spoke with the media following the call from his coaches and made it clear he saw this as an opportunity and he’s ready to get to work.

Here’s what he had to say:

Hurts was asked about how much interest the Eagles had expressed leading up to the draft, and he just emphasized that he was excited to get the call from them on Friday.

“The opportunity to go there, to be apart of the organization. Kind of surreal to get that call, and I’m just blessed right now.”

He said he was just thankful for the opportunity, especially because a lot of people don’t do that where he’s from. Hurts didn’t really address being relegated to a backup role, but was looking forward to meeting the team and getting to work — once they’re all able to.

Asked again about how he’d feel being on the field in a position other than as the primary quarterback, Hurts deflected and said (again) he’s excited for the opportunity.

“It’s a lot of knowledge in the quarterback room, and a lot of knowledge in the organization, so for me to have the opportunity to learn, to take steps as a quarterback and grow, I’m looking forward to it all. I’m ready to go to work.”

Hurts recalled meeting Press Taylor at his Pro Day workout and was impressed with the coach’s knowledge of the game. They talked about Hurts’ tape and the Eagles’ scheme.

He was asked again about how he’ll handle the possibility of not seeing the field as a quarterback, and was pressed to explain what role the Eagles had discussed with him.

“I have no idea what’s going to happen. I know I got picked today by the Eagles.”

[It’s at this point that Hurts struggled to remember Howie Roseman’s last name. I want to be clear, this seems more like an indictment on how much time and effort the GM put in to familiarizing himself with the QB.]

The incoming rookie was later asked how he thought Carson Wentz would feel about having a quarterback drafted.

“I control what I can. I just got drafted, and it’s a great moment for me and my family. Like I said, an opportunity to go to work.”

Hurts noted that he’ll control his effort, and work ethic, and will give his all to the organization.

“I’m an Eagle, and it’s a blessing.”

The QB also went into his evolution throughout his college career.

“I went into Alabama a 17-year-old freshman, early enrollee, thrown right into the fire. As a young kid was able to have success, and took steps every year. Took steps every year, even with the different coaches in and out. Continue to take steps to develop and develop and develop, and now I know that there isn’t a ceiling. I don’t put a ceiling on myself or my game. Moving forward I’m just excited to soak it all in. Soak it all like a sponge.”

He’s excited to meeting the guys and seeing the guys, and he’s just excited for it all.