Max Duggan NFL Draft Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’-1”
Weight: 210 Pounds
School: TCU
2023 NFL Draft Max Duggan Scouting Report
Max Duggan may not be the quarterback that wows fans with the ability to throw the ball out of the stadium, but he will keep them on the edge of their seats during his games. A four star recruit out of high school, Duggan decided to join the Horned Frogs. He saw the field early and often in his career but never truly came into his own until his final year.
After three years of play Max Duggan had passed for only 2,000 yards multiple times and he failed to throw over sixteen touchdowns in a season. His completion percentage and quarterback rating were improving, but he has left much to be desired. The part of the game to hang his hat on was the run game in which he rushed for almost 1,400 yards across the three seasons, scoring almost 20 touchdowns. He was showing flashes, but for TCU it was not enough. Entering the season, he was told he would be the backup. Most players in today’s game would enter the transfer portal, but Duggan stayed committed to his team.
It did not take long for Duggan to get back on the field. In the season opener due to an injury, he got his chance and never looked back. Max Duggan played his best ball in his final season throwing for 3,698 yards and 32 touchdowns. He also ran for an additional 423 yards and nine touchdowns leading the Horned Frogs to the National Championship. He became the first TCU player since LaDainian Tomlinson to be nominated for the Heisman Trophy finishing just behind Caleb Williams.
Strengths:
- First thing consistently said about him is praising his leadership and football character;
- Possesses the athleticism to be a dual threat quarterback, 28 career rushing touchdowns;
- Led his team to a play for the National Championship;
- Outstanding football character plays through injuries, fights for extra yards, and won’t shy away from taking on defenders;
- Great ability to get the ball out of his hands quickly from multiple arm angles and without setting his feet.
Weaknesses:
- Arm strength and deep ball placement leaves a lot to be desired;
- Accuracy needs to be more consistent;
- Needs to add about ten pounds to bulk up his frame, style of play could lead to multiple injuries;
- Too quick to improvise on the play instead of progressing through his reads;
- Bad habit of staring down his primary receiver.
NFL Comparison: Taylor Heinicke
Teams With A Need: Minnesota Vikings, New Orleans Saints, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks
Projection: Seventh Round
Bottom Line:
Max Duggan has proved that he is a team first player who will put his head down and go to work every day. His impact is not just in the way he carries himself but also his style of play on the football field which will energize his team. There are plenty who are more talented throwers of the football than him, but he is more than capable of taking the reins of a team just like we saw with Taylor Heinicke. A team that drafts Duggan can expect a player that needs a strong run game around him to flourish. In the right system and the proper coaching however, he stands a chance to be one of the better backups in this league.
Main Image: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
