Los Angeles Chargers selects Max Duggan in 7th round of 2023 NFL Draft

Former TCU quarterback Max Duggan is finally off the draft board. The quarterback responsible for leading the Horned Frogs to the College Football Playoffs title game had to wait until the 7th round to hear his name called, but he is now officially a member of the Chargers after they selected him with the No. 239 overall pick.

Duggan is coming off a remarkable last season at TCU. It almost didn’t happen after he was beaten out by Chandler Morris for the starting spot to start the season. But an unfortunate injury to Morris trusted him back into the starting role.

Once there, Duggan would lead TCU on an undefeated regular season going 12-0. TCU would lose to Kansas State in the Big 12 Championship game, ending their undefeated season. But they would still earn a spot in the College Football Playoff as the third seed.

There they would upset the number two team in the nation Michigan but would lose to Georgia for the national championship. Duggan would go on to finish the year, completing 267 of his 419 attempts for 3698 yards, 32 passing touchdowns, and eight interceptions. It would also rush the ball 137 times for 423 yards with nine rushing touchdowns.

What NFL Draft analysts are saying about Duggan

According to the draft analyst Lance Zierlein at NFL.com, Duggan ranks as the 15-best quarterback prospect in this year’s draft, with a grade of 5.64; just slightly behind Malik Cunningham of the Louisville Cardinals. That grade puts him in the category of ‘Candidate for bottom of roster or practice squad.’ Here’s how Zierlein views Duggan heading into the 2023 NFL Draft.

“Scrappy quarterback possessing the attitude, toughness and leadership that teams love. Duggan has proven himself to be capable of overcoming adversity and finding ways to help his team win with his arm or legs. However, he has limited arm strength and frequently forces receivers to break stride on deep balls and crossing routes. Duggan’s intangibles give him a chance to become an NFL backup but his limitations as a passer cap his ceiling,” according to Zierlein.

As far as Duggan’s strengths go, Zierlein has them listed as follows: “Displays physical and mental toughness; Finds a comfortable passing rhythm from RPOs; Resolute runner with 28 career rushing touchdowns; Ability to scan through progressions; Slides inside and outside the pocket to extend the play; Showed ability to hang in and beat the blitz against Michigan; Improvisational thrower with compact release; Unafraid to challenge safeties when a good opportunity arises.”

As for the things he needs to work on: “Below average size and play traits; Stares down target, allowing safeties to read and range; Threw into congestion when better options were available; Frequently forced receivers to break stride; Below average deep-ball power and placement.; Nose of the ball dives on long, field-side throws.”