Odds Favor Colts Drafting Jalen Hurts After Packers Take Love

• Four quarterbacks were taken in the first round of the NFL Draft, none of them named Jalen Hurts
• The former Alabama/Oklahoma QB should hear his name called early on Day 2
• Which team in need of a QB-of-the-future will take him?

The Indianapolis Colts were thought to be the team that would sneak back into the first round and grab Utah State’s Jordan Love, but the Green Bay Packers shocked the football world by stealing that move last night.

Now, with slim pickins left in the quarterback class, will the Colts pull the trigger on a signal caller in round two, or will someone else grab the best talent under center left, Oklahoma’s Jalen Hurts?

Odds on Team to Draft Jalen Hurts

Odds taken April 24.

Colts Could Be On The Move

The Colts have two picks in the upcoming second round (Nos. 34 and 44) and a few holes to fill on a team that has Super Bowl aspirations. In need of a wide receiver, cornerbacks, and pass rush help, Indy could get a lot of assistance right away. But now, they are reportedly looking to slide back and get even more assets.

The #Bengals are on the clock first tonight at No. 33. Next up are the #Colts, who already are having trade talks about moving down from No. 34. A spot to keep an eye on.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 24, 2020

Love made sense for the Colts; neither Philip Rivers or Jacoby Brissett is under contract after this season, so the team needs to have an eye toward the future. But now that he’s gone, it’s understandable if they aren’t enamored with any of the QBs left.

Hurts is an incredible athlete, but his decision making and ability to go through progressions has been called into question. He’ll succeed best with an offense tailored to his skills, not the other way around.

After that, guys like Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm give off big Brian Brohm energy: mid-round picks of no consequence.

With Indy unlikely to use the No. 34 pick on a QB, it gives some other teams in need of a young signal caller a chance to get Hurts.

New England Not Standing Pat?

Even with no Tom Brady or Rob Gronkowski, the Patriot way still remains. In classic New England fashion, Bill Belichick traded out of the first round last night to grab more picks and (barring another trade) his first selection will be 37th overall. What do you get the offense that appears to need everything? Well, the playmaking ability of Hurts wouldn’t hurt.

I’m convinced the Patriots are taking Jalen Hurts tomorrow. Try to mimic the Ravens and their heavy run offense.

They lack a QB and passing game weapons. Bill Belichick is a genius. It makes too much sense. (Hurts would be a great fantasy option)

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) April 24, 2020

Whether the Patriots really are in love with Jarrett Stidham or that was just lip service to help the young kid’s confidence, it makes sense for New England to grab the former Sooner. Brian Hoyer isn’t even a reliable backup anymore and Belichick could spice up the Pats offense with a Taysom Hill-like package for Hurts to run.

Steelers Also Possible Landing Spot

After last year’s Mason Rudolph/Duck Hodges disaster, it’s clear Pittsburgh’s QB of the future is not currently wearing black and gold. But instead of opting to sign Jameis Winston, a move universally approved by football fans, the Steelers entered this draft still with an opening at backup QB.

The Steelers & Jameis makes a lot of sense to @getnickwright:

"What about sitting behind Ben for a year? They have that great defense, an excellent head coach in Mike Tomlin, they've never had a losing season, they need a backup QB. Pittsburgh makes a lot of sense." pic.twitter.com/2qSRoTZibU

— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) March 30, 2020

However, they pick at No. 49 and won’t have another selection until the end of round three (102). With old man Ben Roethlisberger coming off another injury, getting more offensive weapons or support for an offensive line whose average age is 30 might be the more sensible play.

Where is the Value?

The value resides in the place that understands value better than any other NFL franchise, New England. The best way to help fans move on from Tom Brady is to get a quarterback who plays absolutely nothing like him.

Plus, I’m sure Belichick will relish the opportunity to run a new offensive scheme, one that doesn’t highlight his inability to draft receivers.

Pick: New England (+700)