Jerry Jones passed on chance to draft Jalen Hurts despite comments
While trying to downplay the acquisition of quarterback and former No. 3 overall pick Trey Lance, Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently hinted that a similar move was always in the works, adding that the team would've selected former Oklahoma standout Jalen Hurts to fit the same role had he fallen in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The only problem with Jones' comment is that he and the Cowboys had their chance but passed. The Cowboys had the 51st pick in the second round but didn't go with Hurts, who instead went two choices later to the rival Philadelphia Eagles.
So, unless Dallas expected Hurts to still be available with their next pick in the third round (83rd), Hurts donning a wing on his helmet instead of a star is on Jones, not the draft board.
If Jones threw Hurts' name out there to try and calm the chatter about the future of Dak Prescott, it probably won't. Neither will the fact that Jones reportedly failed to run the Lance move by Prescott or head coach Mike McCarthy.
Jones was within his rights to keep the trade close to the vest as owner and general manager. However, keeping those impacted most in the dark is still odd.
Ultimately, things have worked out well for the Cowboys and the Eagles. Hurts is coming off a near MVP season and his first Super Bowl berth. Meanwhile, the Cowboys used their selection on cornerback Trevon Diggs, a two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro.
While both teams can be happy with the players they walked away with, no one will argue that a franchise QB is much harder to find. The Eagles have seemingly found theirs, while there are still question marks about Prescott entering his eighth and perhaps most pivotal season with the Cowboys.
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