Why the Chargers can’t pass on a first-round quarterback
By Travis Wakeman
There are three great options at No. 6
Above all else, the Chargers can’t pass on a quarterback in this draft because it is a good draft to be looking for a quarterback. This isn’t a draft where the team will have to hope one of these guys falls to them, they will absolutely have the chance to grab at least one of them.
Joe Burrow will not be included on this list because he’s going to be drafted No.1 overall by the Cincinnati Bengals. It’s just a formality at this point.
However, the following three players will be options for the team at No. 6.
Tua Tagovailoa: Tagovailoa is a player the Chargers may have to trade up in order to get, as suggested here. He may be coveted by the Miami Dolphins, who own the No. 5 pick, meaning the Chargers would have to come up to No. 4. The price to do so may be too high.
However, there is also the chance that teams shy away from him due to his injury history. The Chargers shouldn’t be one of those teams
This is a player that comes from a highly successful college, one where he developed into the unquestioned leader of the team while also earning the respect of all of his peers. He does have a concerning injury history, but the team that gets him is getting a player ready to start right away once medically cleared due to his ability to process, handle pressure and throw with tremendous accuracy.
Justin Herbert: Herbert has climbed back up the draft board following impressive showings in both the Rose Bowl and Senior Bowl. Herbert was at one time considered the top quarterback process in this class and though he won’t go before Burrow and probably not before Tagovailoa, he is worthy of a pick at No. 6.
At 6-foot-6 and 227 pounds, Herbert has an ideal frame and great arm strength. He can make all the throws and also has sneaky mobility. You will see a lot of mock drafts over the next couple of months that show the Chargers taking Herbert at No. 6 and that is with good reason.
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Jordan Love: Don’t laugh. Love is a darkhorse to go this early in the draft, but he could easily be “that guy” that shocks everyone. Remember, Mitch Trubisky went before Patrick Mahomes and the Chicago Bears would probably like to have that to do over.
Love should not be overlooked just because he played at Utah State.
Arm talent is abundant when you watch this guy. He can extend plays and make any throw you can imagine. He is athletic and as physically gifted as any player in this draft. He also has the mobility to not just make plays with his feet, but make big plays with his feet.
If you haven’t watched this guy throw the ball, you will be hard-pressed to find a prettier pass leave a quarterback’s hands.