Should QB Phil Jurkovec declare for the 2022 NFL Draft?

Phil Jurkovec has been spectacular since coming back from a hand injury, but is his stock high enough to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft? 

Over this past offseason, I spend many hours watching Boston College tape — studying quarterback Phil Jurkovec. Widely unknown to many fans at the time, I thought we were going to be in for a treat with what we were about to see from him in 2021.

Unfortunately, an injury to his throwing hand/wrist just two games into his 2021 season forced Jurkovec out of commission. Many believed that his hand injury would be season-ending. Because of this, they assumed the talented quarterback was almost a lock to go back to school for another season and start as a redshirt senior for Boston College before declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft.

But not so fast. Jurkovec recovered from his hand injury sooner than expected, and he made his entrance back onto the field on November 5th against Virginia Tech. Though he missed 6 games in the middle of the season, Jurkovec looks as strong as ever immediately upon his return.

Against Georgia Tech on the road last week, Jurkovec was electrifying — earning 310 passing yards (15.5 yards per attempt), 71 rushing yards (8.9 yards per carry), and 5 total touchdowns, via Sports Reference.

Jurkovec has some very interesting traits that could make him a starting NFL quarterback at the next level, but should he declare for the 2022 NFL Draft or go back to school for another season?

Jurkovec should consider waiting until the 2023 NFL Draft

As much as I would love to see Phil Jurkovec throw his hat into the ring in the 2022 NFL Draft, it might be a wise decision to return for his redshirt senior season at Boston College. Though he would be on the older side by doing so, one more year could give Jurkovec the time he needs to string together a really impressive full season of production — something that shouldn’t be hard for him to do.

While next year’s quarterback class includes a few very good players like Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, the depth of his group might not be as strong, and Jurkovec could elevate himself as high as the QB3 in 2023.

This could change in the coming weeks, however. If the Boston College quarterback plays as well in his final two games as he did last week then he will really start to turn some heads. With his combination of size, athletic traits, arm talent, and decision-making, I would have to assume that Jurkovec could still be a second-round pick if he elects to declare for the 2022 NFL Draft following the season.

Phil Jurkovec has a very tough decision to make soon, and how he closes out the season could prove to impact his choice. However, I think it might be beneficial to go back to college for one more season to try to improve his draft stock for 2023.