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Eagles Predicted to Draft 59-TD QB as Jalen Hurts Understudy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zahid Rashid | Last updated Apr 10, 2026 10:18 AM ET

The Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is just one season removed from leading the team to a Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, but things do not appear entirely stable within the organization, with reports suggesting there has been friction regarding offensive direction and leadership.

Hurts has faced criticism for being conservative and reluctant to embrace more dynamic offensive schemes. Despite that, he still delivered an above-average season, completing 64.8% of his passes for 3,224 yards and 25 touchdowns, with just six interceptions. He also contributed 421 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.

However, Hurts struggled in the Eagles’ lone postseason game, completing 20 of 35 passes for 168 yards and one touchdown. While there is little doubt he will remain the starter in 2026, it makes sense for Philadelphia to consider long-term options as well.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts scrambles against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium. Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

In that context, Athlon's Luke Easterling predicts in his latest mock draft that the Eagles will select Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green with the 137th overall pick.

Green began his career at Boise State, where he spent three seasons before transferring to Arkansas in 2024. Over five collegiate seasons, Green completed 60.1% of his passes for 9,662 yards and 59 touchdowns, along with 35 interceptions. He also rushed for 2,405 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Standing at 6-foot-6 and 224 pounds, Green offers an impressive blend of size, speed, athleticism, and arm strength. In what is considered a weaker quarterback class, he could be selected earlier than expected and potentially go on Day 2. However, if he falls to the Eagles in the fourth round, Easterling believes he could be a steal.

"In terms of upside, nobody in this quarterback class has more than Green. His physical tools are off the charts, and he brings a ton of starting experience to the table. If he can land in the right situation, with a strong coaching staff and an organization that can be patient with his development, it wouldn’t be surprising for him to develop into a special player and a massive steal," Easterling wrote.

The Eagles currently have Tanner McKee as their primary backup and recently added Andy Dalton for depth. However, with McKee reportedly drawing trade interest, Philadelphia could acquire a draft pick and use it to select Green, gaining both a reliable backup and a potential long-term option.

It is still too early for the Eagles to move on from Hurts. That said, the franchise has a history of making proactive quarterback decisions, as seen with Donovan McNabb, Michael Vick, and Carson Wentz.

Wentz, notably, was an MVP candidate during the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl season, yet the team still moved on just a few years later and eventually handed the starting job to Hurts. If Philadelphia now sees an opportunity to land a potential steal in the fourth round, it could be a move worth considering.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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