Analyzing Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes Through a Draft Lens

Both players have shown exceptional talent on the field and have also made significant impacts since their respective draft selections. This analysis will explore their draft journeys, career trajectories, and how their performances in the NFL reflect their early potential as prospects.

Draft Background

Why would the draft background of these key players be important? Well, aside from NFL futures odds that some might enjoy or gain insight from, these backgrounds, more often than not, tell us a lot about the players themselves: where they came from and how they progressed. By knowing their draft background, we could easily draw useful data to help us understand where the future lies for these athletes.

Jalen Hurts was chosen in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Philadelphia Eagles, who selected him as the 53rd choice overall. Hurts came from the University of Oklahoma, proving to be both versatile and willing to lead-traits that ultimately made him quite attractive to most teams in their search for dual-threat quarterbacks. Though he got drafted behind popular quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa, Hurts quickly proved himself by adapting to the demands in the NFL.

Patrick Mahomes was the 10th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. He came out of Texas Tech University with the reputation of being a strong-armed quarterback with the ability to make plays outside of the pocket, both of which he has shown throughout his career. His selection was part of a strategic move by the Chiefs, who traded up to secure him, indicating their belief in his potential to lead their franchise.

Early Career Development

Those directions were different for the early parts of their careers. Mahomes sat behind Alex Smith his rookie season, learning from a seasoned starter before taking over as the starter in 2018. That transition went well: Mahomes quickly adapted to the speed and complexity of the NFL, leading to an MVP season in 2018 and a Super Bowl victory in 2020.

Meanwhile, Hurts took a bit rockier of a start. Entering the league as a backup to Carson Wentz, Hurts was then forced onto the field as a rookie amidst ineffectiveness and injuries to Wentz. Throughout the normal rollercoaster associated with a young quarterback learning on the job, he showed flashes of brilliance. That he had such growth from it is what set him up for his later success.

Statistical Comparison

As both quarterbacks head into Super Bowl LIX, their stats give some context to their development and impact since coming into the league.

Patrick Mahomes (First Five Seasons):

• Games Played: 63
• Wins: 58
• Losses: 16
• Touchdown Passes: 159
• Passing Yards: 18,991
• Interceptions: 39

Jalen Hurts (First Five Seasons):

• Games Played: 77
• Wins: 51
• Losses: 23
• Touchdown Passes: 157
• Passing Yards: 14,667
• Interceptions: 39

While both quarterbacks have reached similar totals in the number of touchdowns and impressive win-loss records, Mahomes has consistently outperformed Hurts in passing yards and overall efficiency metrics. On the other hand, Hurts has excelled in the rushing statistics, particularly with his ability to score touchdowns on designed runs and scrambles.

Impact on Their Teams

Mahomes has become a cornerstone for the Chiefs. His leadership and ability to perform under pressure have led Kansas City to multiple playoff appearances and three Super Bowl appearances in five seasons as a starter. His knack for making clutch plays has solidified his reputation as one of the league's elite quarterbacks.

Hurts has done the same thing for the Eagles since he became their unquestioned starter. His ability to threaten defenses with his legs makes the Philadelphia offense versatile and unpredictable. This season, heading into Super Bowl LIX, Hurts completed 68.7% of his passes, a career high, and accounted for a career-high total of touchdowns both in the air and on the ground, showing that he's improved as a thrower but remains effective on the ground.

The Super Bowl Showdown

Both quarterbacks are at critical points in their careers as they prepare for Super Bowl LIX. Mahomes is trying to further cement his legacy with another championship win that could join him to the very few QBs who have won more than one Super Bowl before turning 30 years old. On the other hand, Hurts seeks to prove he belongs among the best in the league by winning his first Super Bowl title after losing to Mahomes in Super Bowl LVII.

It's not about the stats with these two quarterbacks; it's about contrasting styles and approaches to winning games. While Mahomes is known for his improvisational skills and deep passing ability, Hurts thrives on mobility and decision-making within designed plays.