With the Senior Bowl in the rearview mirror, NFL draft season is officially here — and the Philadelphia Eagles will be on the clock soon enough.
PennLive was in Mobile, Ala., watching all three days of practice and interviewing many of the top prospects in attendance.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’re rolling out a series of stories on Senior Bowl standouts who would make sense for the Eagles in the 2026 NFL draft.
Howie Roseman has a reputation for plucking the best from powerhouse programs. In the last five drafts, the Eagles have selected 10 players from Alabama and Georgia. So that’s a trend that exists.
But Roseman has also hit on small-school standouts recently. Louisiana Tech’s Milton Williams was a key cog in the Super Bowl LIX run. Houston Christian’s Jalyx Hunt led the team in sacks this past season. Both were far from household names, taken in the third round.
Perhaps Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst will be the next under-the-radar, mid-round pick to make a name for himself in Philadelphia.
Four years ago, Hurst was a zero-star recruit out of high school. Now, he’s one of the most intriguing wide receivers in the 2026 NFL draft class.
“This is something you don’t take for granted,” Hurst told PennLive at the Senior Bowl, minutes after making a jaw-dropping play in front of NFL scouts, coaches and executives. “Everyone’s trying to achieve this dream, man. And to be here, it’s really a blessing.”
Hurst’s story is an easy one to get behind. The Savannah, Ga., native didn’t have any college interest as a high schooler until his brother started calling around on his behalf. He got through to Valdosta State, the coaches loved his tape, and Hurst went to the Division II program.
Hurst transferred to Georgia State after two seasons, and he established himself as a Sun Belt star. In 2024, Hurst had 56 catches for 961 yards and a program-record nine touchdowns. He entered the portal, looking to spend his final season at a power conference program. But he decided to return to Georgia State, where he was once again a force.
In the preseason, Hurst was named to Bruce Feldman’s “Freaks List,” highlighting his rare combination of 4.51-second 40-yard dash speed and 6-foot-3 frame. Hurst backed up that hype with another stellar season, catching 71 passes for 1,004 yards and six touchdowns.
“I’m a playmaker,” Hurst said. “I can get the ball quick at the line of scrimmage and go for 70 yards. I’m also a deep threat and can make plays that’s going to excite everybody. I can make plays that’s going to get the team rowdy.”
Hurst got everyone at Hancock Whitney Stadium rowdy during the first practice of the Senior Bowl. Hurst beat Arkansas cornerback Julian Neal down the sideline on a go route and somehow came down with a one-handed catch against the 6-foot-1 corner.
The play drew an audible reaction from both sidelines and everyone in the stands — and it gave NFL coaches and scouts in attendance a glimpse of what he can do.
The Eagles could use a playmaker like Hurst.
A.J. Brown might get traded, which would create a vacuum on the outside. But even if Brown isn’t dealt, the Eagles’ depth at receiver is a concern. Beyond Brown and DeVonta Smith, there isn’t much there.
In a sneaky good draft class of receivers, the Eagles will have options. There’s a chance five receivers — Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, USC’s Makai Lemon, Washington’s Denzel Boston and Texas A&M’s Kevin Concepcion — go in the first round.
Georgia’s Zachariah Branch, Louisville’s Chris Bell and Notre Dame’s Malachi Fields are fringe first-rounders while Alabama’s Germie Bernard, Tennessee’s Chris Brazzell, Indiana’s Elijah Sarratt and Omar Cooper Jr. are all possible second or third-rounders.
But Hurst, who is currently ranked as the No. 89 overall prospect by NFL Mock Draft Database, would be a sensible selection for the Eagles in the third or fourth round.
Hurst’s mother is a Dallas Cowboys fan, so that might be a knock against him in the pre-draft process. But jokes aside, Hurst said he grew up watching Michael Vick and liking the Eagles.
Maybe he’ll bring his jaw-dropping plays (and a feel-good story) to south Philadelphia.
“Coming from a smaller school, it’s about having the opportunity to compete against guys from the Power 5, showing that we’ve got talent, too,” Hurst said. “I’m a competitor. And I can compete with the best in the world.”
SENIOR BOWL SERIES
Malachi Fields, WR, Notre Dame
Keylan Rutledge, OL, Georgia Tech