NFL Draft prospect Maurice Hurst diagnosed with heart condition
Horrible, yet life-saving news, for NFL Draft prospect Maurice Hurst
Adam Schefter reports that Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst has been diagnosed with a heart condition during his medical evaluation at the NFL Combine.
Hurst, a projected first round pick, will not work out at the NFL Combine and will undergo further tests to determine the severity of his condition. Fellow defensive tackle prospects Vita Vea, Da’Ron Payne, and Harrison Phillips were battling with Hurst to be the first defensive tackle drafted, and Hurst had a strong edge on all of them.
An All-American for the Wolverines, Hurst totaled 15.5 sacks in three full seasons with 130 total tackles.
Many mock drafts matched Hurst with the Los Angeles Chargers with the 17th pick and most popularly to the Dallas Cowboys with the 19th overall pick.
More from Big 10
- 3 Key Matchups in the Big Ten Battle Between No. 2 Ohio State and No. 13 Penn State
- 2023 NFL Draft: 5 Players to Watch from the Big Ten During the 2022 Season
- 2022 NFL Draft: Will Chris Olave Or Garrett Wilson Be Drafted First?
- 2022 NFL Draft: Get to Know Nebraska Tight End Austin Allen
- 2022 NFL Draft: Michigan EDGE David Ojabo Has Arrived
Hurst is the second player to be diagnosed with an injury/illness at the Combine. Billy Price, the top center in this years draft, suffered a partially torn pectoral muscle after a handful of reps in the bench press. Price was also projected to be a top-25 pick in most mock drafts.
Every NFL team will dive deep into Hurst’s medical records to determine whether or not he is healthy enough to play football. His first round projection is likely out the window, but if a team feels confident in his ability to return to the field they could utilize a day three pick on an exceptional talent.
Next: 5 players who impressed at the Combine
Hopefully for Hurst, the diagnosis is positive and he can return to the field in dominating fashion once again.