Through three years with the Las Vegas Raiders, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. has started 17 games and registered eight sacks, eight tackles for a loss, and only one forced fumble. For a once budding star, his career’s a disappointment so far. Last year was especially bad for him, you barely noticed when he was even on the field. There are multiple reasons why he disappointed this year and why his career as a whole is lacking.
The Raiders haven’t been able to tap Maurice Hurst’s potential
This is one of the most disappointing things about his career. At one point during the draft, the Michigan product was touted as a top ten pick. Alas, he ended up falling down to the fifth round because of a rare medical condition. So the ceiling was shallow, and you can see why him only starting 17 out of 48 games is concerning. Also, keep in mind that averaging more than 50 percent of the team’s total snaps on defense is more worrisome. For a former touted rookie, his playing time needs to be addressed one way or another.
Medical reasons have hurt Hurst’s production throughout both this year and his career. After three years, he has yet to play in a full season. In 2020 alone, the defensive tackle missed five games due to injury. If he can’t finish one full season at least once in the next two to three years, no teams are going to want to sign him, let alone the Raiders.
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Maurice Hurst hasn’t played up to his potential
If you look at the games Hurst did start in 2020, his snap count to overall production is not the one you expect from a starter. Overall, he amassed 27 tackles, 6 hits, and a 0.5 sack. All other than hits are career lows. This makes the point that his production is very low and it’s not just from a lack of seeing the field.
What many considered a steal in the fifth round in 2018 has mostly become a disappointment. There are a variety of reasons, but at this point in his career, you have to wonder what happened. Hurst will hopefully get another chance next year, which will be a make or break year with his time with the Raiders.
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