​The latest focus in ESPN’s annual NFL survey of league executives, coaches, and scouts centers on what’s widely considered the most important position in football: quarterback. Yet you won’t see Super Bowl LIX MVP Jalen Hurts ranked among the top contenders. A year after ranking ninth in this activity, Hurts has slid to the bottom of the list in the “honorable mention” category, which effectively places 16 quarterbacks ahead of him. Coincidentally, Pro Football Focus recently pegged Hurts at QB15 as well. The blurb provided for Hurts, perhaps surprisingly, leans more positive than critical: “I know it has been up-and-down, but I’m still betting on the Super Bowl credentials, the intangibles and the toughness.” — AFC offensive coach
Quarterback discussions are notoriously polarizing, and Hurts sits squarely in the eye of that storm. He might be the most polarizing player at his position. Supporters highlight his Super Bowl success, his strong standing since 2022 in terms of wins, and the traits mentioned by that AFC coach. Critics point to the Eagles’ passing offense, which has shown inconsistency over several seasons, Hurts’ declining rushing numbers, and questions about his personality. As someone who calls themselves a “Jalen Hurts centrist” and who believes More Than One Thing Can Be True™, I’m not overreacting to this ranking. I get why some argue Hurts should be ahead of players with fewer accomplishments. His status as a playoff riser is undeniable. Yet it’s also fair to note that Hurts has benefited from broader support around him—a factor to weigh when evaluating these rankings.
We could get lost in the weeds of debate over rankings, which don’t truly determine much beyond fodder for the slowest NFL news cycle of the year. What I do find meaningful from this exercise is not the placement itself, but what it may reflect about outside perception. If Hurts is aware of the ranking or not, I suspect he benefits from a general sense that he’s being disrespected or underrated. He’s already a highly motivated athlete, but there’s a growing impression that he thrives on proving his doubters wrong. Remember the moment from the 2024 season when he asked, effectively, “So that’s what you wanted to see, huh?” It’s a reminder of the pressure and the chip on his shoulder that seem to fuel his drive.
Looking ahead to 2026, there are reasons for optimism regarding Hurts. He’s intensely driven to prove naysayers wrong, and he could benefit significantly from Sean Mannion’s strategic vision for the Eagles’ offense. A strong season would likely pave the way for a contract extension that vaults him into the top 10 in terms of average yearly value (he sits at 12th today). If he falters, however, the prevailing ESPN consensus would gain traction, and the controversy surrounding his ranking would intensify rather than subside.
In sum, Hurts remains a central figure in discussions about quarterback value and potential. The discrepancy between perception and reality continues to shape his narrative, as does his evident capacity to respond to skepticism with high-level performance. Whether 2026 proves to be the turning point toward sustained elite status or merely a fresh chapter in an ongoing debate, Hurts’ career will remain a focal point for analysts, fans, and executives alike.