The 2020 NFL Draft is just weeks away and speculation around how the top picks will unfold is intensifying. The quarterback position offers the most intrigue in the class and at the No. 6 pick, the Los Angeles Chargers could reportedly deliver a surprise by taking Jordan Love.
In Matt Miller’s latest scouting notebook, he notes that the Chargers were enamored with Love’s talent coming out of the Senior Bowl. Now, according to an NFL scout, the Chargers’ crush on Love could potentially lead them to drafting him with the No. 6 overall pick even if Justin Herbert or Tua Tagovailoa is available.
Even after passing his physical with independent doctors, NFL teams are still concerned about Tagovailoa’s durability and his recovery from a dislocated hip. Multiple teams are reportedly higher on Herbert than Tagovailoa, including the Miami Dolphins with the No. 5 pick.
While Tagovailoa has been sidelined for the entire offseason evaluation process, Love has been climbing up draft boards. Once viewed as a likely second-round pick, Love’s performance at the Senior Bowl sent his draft stock soaring.
The 21-year-old quarterback starred at Utah State and overcame a far weaker supporting cast than his peers in the 2020 draft class. He dominated during the 2018 season with a 158.3 quarterback rating and a 32-6 TD-INT ratio, before struggling this past season with turnovers.
Despite the down year, Love remains an exciting prospect with jaw-dropping traits. At 6-foot-4 with above-average athleticism, a rocket arm and a gunslinger mentality, he offers some of the greatest upside in this draft class. However, he’s unlikely to be ready to start immediately as a rookie and might need a year to develop.
Ultimately, that timetable might work for the Chargers. The team intends for Tyrod Taylor to start next season and he could be a serviceable bridge starter until Love is ready.
There is still plenty of time for the Chargers to convince themselves on Tagovailoa’s recovery or fall more in love with Herbert. As of now, though, it seems no one around the NFL would be surprised if Love is the third quarterback drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft.