Nick Wright Sounds Off on Shocking Jalen Hurts Ranking
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Since taking over as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles, Jalen Hurts has emerged as one of the best players at the position. Fresh off leading the franchise to just its second Super Bowl victory, one NFL analyst was left stunned to see where he was ranked among his peers.
Every year, former NFL quarterback Chris Simms puts together a ranking of the top QBs in the league. In his latest installment, Hurts finds himself on the back end of the top ten. The reigning Super Bowl MVP was slotted in at No. 10 behind players such as Baker Mayfield, Justin Herbert, and C.J. Stroud.
"He brings a skillset to [the Eagles] offense that makes them almost indefensible with all the talent they have," Simms said.
Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, and Matthew Stafford headline first batch of top ten rankings of @CSimmsQB's Quarterback Countdown, now on Chris Simms Unbuttoned and Pro Football Talk
More: https://t.co/tHyz485gLh pic.twitter.com/8WkDhW1JGR — NBC Sports PR (@NBCSportsPR) June 9, 2025
As expected, Simms latest QB rankings sparked debates among numerous fans and analysts. Among those to chime in with their thoughts was Nick Wright. While on FS1's First Things First, he sounded off on Simms for having Hurts so low on his latest list.
"Chris Simms, if you happen to run in to mamma Hurts she's going to give you a piece of her mind," Wright said. "Having Jalen Hurts behind Justin Herbert, it's really one of things where it tells me a lot about the evaluator...I just don't know how you can say he's better than Jalen Hurts."
Chris Simms ranks Jalen Hurts #10 in his 2025 QB rankings. @getnickwright reacts:
'I just don't know how you can say [Justin Herbert] is better than Jalen Hurts. That one ranking seems to me to be indefensible other than, 'eh, I just know.'' pic.twitter.com/kQrw9Svvxb — First Things First (@FTFonFS1) June 10, 2025
On paper, Herbert has the flashier numbers. However, the proper context is needed. Hurts' passing numbers took a slight dip, but Saquon Barkley had a lot to do with that. Seeing that he put together a historic season on the ground, the Eagles had a more run-heavy attack. Nonetheless, Hurts still threw for over 2,900 yards and 18 touchdowns to just five interceptions. That's not even counting his own impact on the ground, rushing for 630 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to the sideline during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025.
Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to the sideline during Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs at Caesars Superdome on February 9, 2025.Herbert's passing numbers look better, throwing for 3,870 yards and 23 touchdowns. That said, when combining scores in the air and on the ground, Hurts found the end zone more. It's also worth noting that Hurts leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl should have him at least a few spots higher on Simms' list.
Wright clearly disagrees with Hurts being placed so low, but the Eagles star likely isn't fazed by it. Instead, it's something he'll use as a motivation as he looks to lead Philadelphia on another title run.
Between his regular season and playoff success, along with his dynamic skill set, it's hard to argue that there are nine QBs better than Hurts right now.
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