Maurice Hurst, Jr. seemed set for first-round money until NFL scouts questioned his heart.
Not his relentless drive, mind you, but his literal beating heart. During combine physicals this spring, doctors discovered a heart condition during an irregular electrocardiogram (EKG). Hurst was promptly sent home as a precaution.
The long-projected first-rounder tumbled down draft boards until Oakland snagged him at the No. 140 pick in the fifth round. A frustrated Hurst relayed the following message on the phone to head coach Jon Gruden:
“This is going to be a great day for the Oakland Raiders.