If Philadelphia Eagles fans haven't yet checked out Ted Hurst in gameday action, they're certainly not the only football fans out there who haven't. He's been busy making splash plays in relative obscurity as a star wideout for Georgia State.
Yet as the NFL Draft approaches, the smaller program star with big-time skills is primed to get noticed by the masses. And the Philadelphia Eagles, currently with a wideout room in perpetual flux, could be the eventual landing spot for the lengthy, long-striding prospect (4.42 40-yard dash) out of Savannah, Georgia.
Measuring in at 6-foot-3 and 206 pounds at the combine, the skillset of Hurst was examined by Pro Football Focus's Trevor Sikkema.
"He is long and lean but still possesses an NFL-caliber frame. He boasts a massive catch radius and consistently maximizes it, extending to attack the ball in the air. Hurst also posts strong catch rates, including in contested situations, where he ranks in the 95th percentile.
For a bigger receiver, he shows impressive footwork, with the ability to execute jab-step releases and sharp single-cut routes. However, his overall flexibility is limited, which shows up in lower separation numbers against single coverage. Hurst’s long strides translate to impressive build-up speed — he has recorded 10 plays of 20-plus mph over the past two seasons."
Eagles might have something in Ted Hurst
Just like Miami tackle Markel Bell, who the Eagles hosted for a 30 visit, Hurst was also a zero-star recruit emerging from the high school football ranks. But between his time at Valdosta State and Georgia State most recently, Hust has been feasting on opposing secondaries at all times.
As Sikeema noted, the big-play ability is undeniable. Having hit over 20 miles per hour on 10 plays is a testament to the fact that any time he touches the rock, the potential to hit pay dirt looms large. This past season, Hurst stuffed the stat sheet to the tune of 71 catches, 1,004 yards, and six touchdowns. And the contested catch ability displayed by Hust is elite, as the wideout notched a 36.5" vertical at the Combine.
Some have argued that, had Hurst suited up for a bigger program, a first-round grade would have been in short order. As April's draft draws near, the consensus now seems to point mostly towards third, perhaps fourth round territory for the talented wideout.
Similar to another mid-round wideout prospect we've discussed, Skyler Bell, the skills showcased while at a smaller program inevitably impact draft projections. Like Bell, though, the combine and game tape show that Hurst's attributes are readily translatable - and transferable - to the next level.
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Hurst appears poised to shine on Sundays, and Philadelphia just might be in the mix for his services.