2017 NFL Draft: Can Chargers Find Rivers’ Successor? - Part 3

Since the start of this mini-series, many Chargers fans have discussed if the team should draft a quarterback for the future. Including a great article by Sean Meusch - Should the Chargers Be Looking for Philip Rivers’ Successor in the 2017 Draft?

Whether you agree that the team should draft a quarterback in this year’s class or hope for a top pick in 2018 for University of Southern California’s Sam Darnold, it’s good to see a healthy discussion on the future of the franchise.

So far we have looked at Ole Miss’ Chad Kelly and Tennessee’ Joshua Dobbs. Now, we’ll look at our final quarterback – Pennsylvania Alek Torgersen. With the 2017 NFL Draft being held in Philadelphia, could Torgersen hear his name called? (Trying to make some Rocky reference but oh well).

Alek Torgersen – 6’2” 215 lbs. 2,231 yards 17 TDs – 4 INTs

For most, including myself until the East-West Shrine, Alek Torgersen’s name isn’t very familiar. Out of the Ivy League, Torgersen has been this year’s top FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) quarterback but unlike 2016, Torgersen is no Carson Wentz.

A three-year starter for the Quakers, Torgersen threw for over 7,000 yards and 52 touchdowns. While very much a pocket-passer, Torgersen did rush for 18 touchdowns on the ground. He also became Penn’s all-time leading passing touchdown leader (51) as well as an all-time leader in total touchdowns responsible for (70).

Strengths

In 30 career games, Torgersen completed at least 61.8% of his passes each year including 66.9% in 2016. Torgersen’s football IQ has been praised by scouts as well as his decision making. Stepping up into the pocket and delivering a nice touch is seen in several games last season.

Torgersen had some of the best footwork compared to several other quarterbacks in this class and it might be due to the more pro-friendly offense Penn ran. His delivery is smooth and quick but at times it can become a little choppy late in games.

What makes Torgersen such an interesting prospect is his decision making. Only 18 interceptions thrown in his career with 11 of them coming off his sophomore year (his first year starting).

Weaknesses

Despite his good decision making, Torgersen doesn’t have the strongest arm in the class. Scouts will question his ability to lead the team down the field without a major threat of an arm. In the East-West Shrine Game, Torgersen had limited playing time and failed to impress scouts on his deep ball finishing the game 4/7 for 77 yards.

Something that was out of Torgersen’s control was the level of talent he played against. While it’s becoming less of a discussion between front office staffs, it is something to consider when you have several other quarterbacks that might be more intriguing.

Final Take

Finally, after watching tape Torgersen doesn’t have that “IT” factor. Nothing truly stands out – no big arm, not very athletic, no big game stats, etc. He just looks like another camp body, which may not be bad for some teams who can develop him in the next three to four years. In order to improve his draft stock, Torgersen will have to show off his arm during his pro-day.

I would not be surprised if the Chargers sign him as an undrafted free agent and use him as a practice squad member. In my opinion, Torgersen looks better than Mike Bercovici but only time will tell.