Analyst Nick Wright has publicly challenged the results of a recent ESPN survey that ranked Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts as the 17th signal-caller in the league. During a recent episode of FS1's "First Things First," Wright expressed strong disagreement with the ranking, arguing that placing Hurts outside the top 10 is problematic. He emphasized that defining a player as the 17th best effectively labels them as below average, a characterization he finds "crazy."
Wright noted that Hurts, who was the No. 53 overall pick in 2020, has never missed the playoffs during his professional career. While acknowledging that a debate regarding his top-10 status following last season is legitimate, Wright defended the quarterback's overall track record, reminding viewers that Hurts was a runner-up for the regular season MVP award four years ago. He further suggested that the rankings for both Hurts and Justin Herbert were among the most irrational on the list.
The ESPN survey placed Hurts at 17th, behind players such as Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love. The top 10 list featured Josh Allen, Patrick Mahomes, Matthew Stafford, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Dak Prescott, Justin Herbert, Drake Maye, Jared Goff, and Caleb Williams. Hurts' career achievements include a Super Bowl LVII appearance during the 2022 season, where the Eagles fell 35-38 to the Kansas City Chiefs, and a 2024 season Super Bowl MVP performance that saw the team secure the Lombardi Trophy.
Emmanuel Acho also voiced his disapproval of the ranking on his "Speakeasy" podcast, labeling the 17th-place position as "utterly shameful" and disrespectful. Acho pointed to Hurts' status as an All-Pro and a consistent playoff leader, questioning why he would be ranked behind players without playoff victories or alongside quarterbacks like Daniel Jones and Bo Nix. The criticism follows a challenging previous season for Hurts, who recorded 3,224 yards, 25 passing touchdowns, six interceptions, and 32 sacks amidst reports of internal locker room friction. The Eagles are set to begin their 2026 season at home against the Washington Commanders on September 13.
They faced the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII but lost 35-38.In April 2023, the Eagles gave Hurts a five-year extension worth $255 million.
The Eagles made the playoffs, but lost to the 49ers in a wild-card game.ALSO READ: "He doesn't have same fear factor": NFL insider makes feelings known on Super Bowl-winning QB being snubbed from coaches & execs.
