The Los Angeles Chargers’ season is essentially over and all attention has been shifted to the upcoming offseason. It’s expected that the Bolts will be making some acquisitions to certain positions and among them is the quarterback position.
Whether or not quarterback Philip Rivers is back in 2020, Los Angeles will likely be in the market for one in the early rounds of the upcoming draft, if they elect to not do so via free agency or through a trade that is.
With the team being a lock for a top-10 selection they should have a few options to choose from. With that, we decided to introduce some of the quarterbacks that could very well be the pick when the Chargers are on the clock.
* Note: LSU’s Joe Burrow is excluded from this list because it’s almost certain that he will be a lock for a top-3 pick and the Cincinnati Bengals are the early favorite.
Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama
Overview: Tagovailoa entered this season as a lock to go in the top-5, but a serious hip injury has given some reason to be concerned for his future. Tua has not decided whether or not he will declare or go back to his school for his senior season. Outside of the durability concerns, Tua has a great feel for the game, thriving with his instincts, processing skills and vision where he’s one of the best in this class when under pressure. He’s accurate, especially on the deep ball where he delivers them with nice touch. If he declares, the medicals will be the most important part to his evaluation.
Justin Herbert, Oregon
Overview: Herbert is a well-known quarterback in this class because he was touted as a first rounder last year, but he decided to return for his senior season. Herbert, the 6-foot-5 and 237 pounder has all the physical traits that you would want in a quarterback. Herbert’s arm talent is special. Not only can he deliver a beautiful deep ball, but he has shown to be sound when throwing outside the pocket, where he will move around, set his feet and deliver a fastball. Though you don’t see it as much, Herbert shows the ability to beat defenses with his legs, too. Consistency and accuracy is the knock on him. While Herbert can make big plays at any given moment, some of the easy ones in the short passing game are missed.
Jordan Love, Utah State
Overview: When you look at Love’s stat sheet from this season, it’s easy to be swayed away. He finished with 17 touchdowns to 16 interceptions. Just a year ago, Love posted 32 touchdowns to only six interceptions. Whether it was the coaching change or lack of talent, the inconsistency is evident but the potential is great. The 6-foot-4 and 225 quarterback has the arm strength, talent, athleticism and physical traits that easily translates to the next level. According to the Athletic’s Dane Brugler, one scout even used the term “Mahomes-like” to describe his skill set. His decision-making was questionable this past season, needing to do a better job of knowing what defenses were doing.
Jalen Hurts, Oklahoma
Overview: Under coach Lincoln Riley, Hurts benefited immensely after his time at Alabama for three season, throwing for 3,634 yards and added 1,255 on the ground, scoring 51 total touchdowns this season. Hurts possesses all the traits an NFL head coach would want. He’s a multidimensional talent who can win with his legs, has the arm strength, poise and vision to survive in the NFL and even though it’s not his strong suit, his accuracy has improved. Plus, he possesses the leadership skills that you’d like to see in your signal-caller. Scouts will be forecasting how he can translate to NFL speed after his time under Riley’s quarterback-friendly offense. He will have plenty of time to rise with the playoff game against LSU, as well as a solid outing at the Senior Bowl and pre-draft workouts.
Jacob Fromm, Georgia
Overview: Fromm isn’t nearly as talented as the previous four quarterbacks mentioned, but there are two things that some of them don’t possess that he does: accuracy and mental processing. Even though his arm strength and physical abilities are average, Fromm is quick to go through his reads and deliver a nice dart wherever his target is. His accuracy and intangibles will be the main reasons why an NFL team will draft him.
Jacob Eason, Washington
Overview: Eason spent some time at Georgia and it just so happens that he was there with Fromm. He decided to transfer to Washington after getting hit with an injury, which resulted in Fromm being the permanent starter. The physical traits are there for Eason as he is a big-bodied, strong-arm passer that can put zip on any ball that he throws. But the knock on Eason is that he doesn’t have that much live game action under his belt and you can see the inexperience, especially when being pressured.
