Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts isn't considered one of the five best in the 2020 class, but could the Patriots like what they see?

Appearing on Ordway, Merloni & Fauria Friday, ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. said the Patriots like what they see in him numerous times.

“There’s word out that they like Jalen Hurts from Oklahoma," he said. "He can be used in packages and do with him what they did with Lamar Jackson his rookie year in Baltimore.”

Kiper added: “There’s talk they could look at Jalen Hurts. I’m not buying No. 23 but, if they move out of the first round they could they look at Jalen Hurts in the second. Pittsburgh, I had heard has an interest. I don’t know if it is true. That is why I gave him to the Steelers as the heir apparent to Big Ben (Roethlisberger) if he’s capable of being that guy. I think Hurts is the interesting guy right now at quarterback. He’s moved up probably as much as anybody.”

He also said he had heard from a general manager that he doesn't believe Hurts will be available come Round 3.

As for what Kiper sees in Hurts?

“A talent who is a winner," he said. "He’s got great character as a quarterback that nobody would ever believe when you saw him at Alabama early on that he would be in this position. … He goes to Oklahoma after making progress as a passer at Alabama, he goes to Oklahoma and he has a big year. Who knows if he doesn’t have a big year for Lincoln Riley with the receivers and the competition you face in the Big 12 on defense. You’re going to put up big numbers, but his numbers were improved in a lot of areas.

“To me, you’ll get seeing the field. He’s not Tua, he’s not even close. He is not what you want him to be yet. Now, can he? We’ll see. He showed a NFL arm all year. He was impressive at the combine. He ran 4.59 (seconds in 40-yard dash). He had 43 career rushing touchdowns. People have seen what Lamar Jackson has done. People see what Taysom Hill is doing in New Orleans and it is a copycat league.”

After being at Alabama for three years, Hurts put up his best numbers last year at Oklahoma. He completed 70 percent of his passes for 3,851 yards, 32 touchdowns and eight interceptions, while also adding over 1,200 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns.

While New England doesn't have a second-round pick, it does have three third-rounders and 12 overall, so the flexibility is certainly there. WEEI's coverage of the Patriots offseason is brought to you by Mass General Cancer Center. Every day, every moment, holds the opportunity for something amazing to happen. That is Mass General Cancer Center . Everyday Amazing.