2020 NFL Draft: First-round mock draft with four QBs early

I know, Derek Carr has been pretty solid this season. Jon Gruden and the Oakland Raiders have done a nice job of building the offense around his strengths as a player. That being said, Carr is still an average talent at the quarterback position who is afraid to consistently push the ball down the field. The Raiders are not going to take a significant step into contention until they take a chance and move on from Carr.

In this 2020 NFL draft scenario, the Raiders find their replacement for Carr. Jalen Hurts has taken his game to the next level this season. He is one of the best players in college football and would be the perfect quarterback to lead the Raiders into Las Vegas.

Hurts has never been the most polished passer in the pocket, but he has drastically improved at Oklahoma this season. He is much more under control and calm in the pocket and shows solid accuracy to all fields. Hurts does not have the most natural arm talent, but he has enough arm strength to hit the deep ball with consistency.

How much of Hurts’ passing improvement has to do with Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley? That is the question that NFL teams have to ask themselves before taking him in the first round. That being said, I could see Gruden falling in love with his overall ability and feeling like he can help Hurts continue to improve.

Hurts is also an extremely tough and physical runner who can create consistent yardage on the ground. Add in his newfound upside as a passer and it is easy to see how Hurts is a first-round 2020 NFL draft prospect to keep an eye on.