Los Angeles Chargers pass on QB early in 7-round 2020 NFL mock draft

If the Los Angeles Chargers end up passing on a quarterback early, I like the idea of them targeting Jalen Hurts in the late-first/early-second round. Whether this is in a trade-up scenario so they can pick up that fifth-year option or standing pat at No. 37 overall, Hurts stands out as a logical target for this team.

Hurts had an absolutely outstanding college career, staring at Alabama before losing his job to Tua Tagovailoa and transferring to Oklahoma. Hurts was more productive at Oklahoma than he ever was at Alabama and looked like a much more comfortable and polished passer.

Hurts is not the most accurate passer, but he has grown in that area over the last couple of seasons. He will miss some throws, but he does flash legitimate accuracy to all levels of the defense. Hurts does have some decision-making lapses, tending to take too long to find the right target. If the decision is quick and easy, Hurts will make the play. If not, he will likely struggle. This is something that must improve if he is going to have success at the next level.

That being said, Hurts is a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands and has undoubtedly improved throughout the 2020 NFL Draft process. He looked better at Oklahoma, improved as a passer at the Senior Bowl and looked better than ever at the NFL Scouting Combine. Hurts clearly takes to coaching well and is working hard to put himself into a position to be a franchise quarterback at the next level.

Hurts is not a perfect quarterback prospect, but he undoubtedly has franchise quarterback upside at the next level. The Chargers could give him a year or two to learn on the bench behind Tyrod Taylor, allowing him to develop slowly and improve his flaws. He is a worthy investment in this range. I like taking a shot on Hurts in the late-first/early-second as opposed to taking Herbert at No. 6.