2026 NFL Draft Profile: Ted Hurst, WR, Georgia State 

Pros:

• Explosive first step: gets into his route stem immediately and forces DBs to respect the vertical threat.
• Versatile alignment: works all three receiver spots but shows strongest tape on boundary and field-side snaps.
• Ball skills: tracks throws downfield consistently and attacks the ball in tight windows with defenders close.
• Contested-catch frame: uses his 6’3″ size to position between defender and ball and maintains focus through contact.
• Nuanced route running: shows clean footwork at breaks, fluid hips sinking into cuts, and awareness of leverage.
• Second-level acceleration: stacks corners vertically with tempo changes and awareness despite not having elite speed.
• Red-zone presence: boxes out smaller DBs on fades and back-shoulder throws where length becomes a weapon.
• Chain-moving instincts: finds soft spots against zone and understands down-and-distance to convert third downs.

Cons:

• Press coverage vulnerability: struggles when physical corners get hands on him early, with a lean build that makes re-routing him too easy.
• Limited release package: relies mostly on footwork, needs more hand usage and counter moves against aggressive jams.
• Lack of functional strength after catch: rarely breaks tackles or powers through arm tackles despite decent elusiveness in space.
• Run blocking inconsistency: effort comes and goes, and his slight frame prevents sustaining blocks on defensive backs, making him a liability in run-heavy situations.
• Concentration drops: takes his eyes off the ball too frequently on routine catches, leading to focus lapses.

Summary:

Hurst’s mix of size, ball skills, and refined route running makes him a worthwhile middle-round developmental outside receiver with real upside. He gives coordinators a flexible chess piece who can line up across multiple spots, wins vertically with acceleration and separation savvy, and understands how to uncover against zone—the kind of traits that fit NFL schemes built on creating windows. The biggest hurdle remains press coverage, where NFL corners will test his lean frame and limited hand usage far more harshly than Sun Belt defenders did.