Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Hayden Hurst

Aaron Hernandez

This is obviously a strict comparison to Hernandez on the field. However, in on-field usage, Hurst athletically has been used in the way that Bill Belichick intended when drafting Hernandez. Most of his work can come out of the slot. However, his threat as a blocker and an extra tight end next to Rob Gronkowski forces teams to keep linebackers on the field rather than move into nickel. If they move into nickel, you can run easier with Hurst in-line. If they stay in base, Hurst can expose linebackers from the slot. It is pretty simple.

Watch the play below. Hurst is able to motion inside, and on top of that, pull across the line of scrimmage to take on a blocker. The amount of plays you can run from one formation with him on the field changes a lot of things.

That type of chess piece is what made Hernandez valuable to the Patriots. Without the off of the field concerns, Hurst can bring that same type of value to a team to give a schematic advantage. If only there were a Rob Gronkowski…