Max Duggan NFL Draft: Top 3 teams that should target TCU’s emerging quarterback
TCU quarterback Max Duggan had one of the most impressive seasons in college football last year of any quarterback. He led the TCU Horned Frogs to a 12-2 record and appeared in the National Championship vs. the Georgia Bulldogs.
Duggan completed 63.7 percent of his passes for 3,698 yards, 32 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 423 yards and nine touchdowns.
In his four seasons at TCU, he piled up a 25-18 record, 73 passing touchdowns, 28 interceptions, and rushed for 1,856 yards and 28 touchdowns.
Joining the Rich Eisen Show, Duggan compared his playstyle to Jalen Hurts.
Duggan said:
"A guy that I've watched a lot even lately was Joe Burrow, what he does with his movement and efficient movements and how he is in the pocket," Duggan said.
"I don't know if I'd say I play like him, probably someone I kind of play like would probably be like Jalen Hurts, kind of that tough-minded leader, can make the throws any time. Can lead a group of men, fought through adversity, things of that sort."
Duggan is a smaller quarterback, having been listed at 6 ft. 2 in. and around 210 lbs. He will likely be a mid-to-late-round draft selection and could go anywhere from rounds three to seven.
Three teams that should target quarterback Max Duggan
Duggan isn't one of the best QB prospects this year, but is certainly good enough to be drafted. With a deep quarterback class, Duggan will likely hear his name called on the third day of the draft.
Here are three teams that should target Duggan:
#1 Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts may or may not take a quarterback at pick no. 4 or may not. The Carolina Panthers and Houston Texans are very likely going to pick quarterbacks with picks 1 and 2 and the quarterback of the Colts' liking may not be there at pick 4. They could stay put and select a different position at 4 or trade down and still not select a QB.
If Indy doesn't select a QB early on, maybe they could target Duggan later in the rounds to compete for a chance to start at quarterback. The Colts released Matt Ryan this off-season and have signed Garnder Minshew, who will likely serve as the team's backup.
UPDATE — Gardner Minshew reportedly signs with the Colts:
bleedinggreennation.com/2023/3/16/2364…
#2 Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly committed to second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder. Arthur Smith turned down the idea of acquiring Lamar Jackson, and it seems that the team will draft a different position with their first-round pick.
Falcons coach Arthur Smith explains the decision to stick with Desmond Ridder and to not pursue Lamar Jackson. wp.me/pbBqYq-czxc
Selecting Ridder in the mid-rounds would give Atlanta a quarterback that could potentially compete for the starting job. Ridder would likely win the job as he has the upper hand on prospects like Duggan.
Ridder went 2-2 as the team's starter in the last four games, throwing for over 700 yards, two touchdowns, and zero interceptions. If Ridder plays poorly, the Falcons could turn to Duggan after he develops.
#3 Washington Commanders
The Commanders have a similar situation to the Atlanta Falcons.
The team seems to be headed in the direction of starting second-year quarterback Sam Howell. Howell started the last game of the regular season for the Commanders and did enough to head into training camp as the number one quarterback.
Selecting Max Duggan could give the Commanders insurance if Howell doesn't pan out and if they don't select a quarterback early on.