Seventh-round pick Alex McGough is going to stabilize the backup quarterback position for the Seattle Seahawks.
The Seattle Seahawks selected Alex McGough out of Florida International University in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft. McGough was a four-year starter at FIU and only missed three games in his career due to injury. McGough threw for 2,798 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2017 while leading the Golden Panthers to eight wins and a bowl game.
McGough did not get a chance to show off his skills on national TV in the team’s bowl game, however, after he exited the game early due to a collarbone injury. Despite the missed opportunity for McGough, people knew there was potential in the FIU signal caller. McGough finished his career as one of the best passers in FIU’s history, including being their leader in career passing touchdowns.
Despite his success in college, McGough was not invited to the NFL Combine. His only chance to show teams what he had, was during the FIU Pro Day. After a strong showing at his Pro Day, he began to gain interest from NFL teams, including the New England Patriots.
After meeting with a handful of teams, there was buzz around McGough actually being drafted. The Seahawks liked McGough enough to take a chance on the young signal caller in the seventh round. The early returns have been great, as he has impressed so far in rookie minicamp.
#Seahawks HC Pete Carroll called former #FIU QB Alex McGough "the surprise of the day" after rookie minicamp on Friday, per @Liz_Mathews.
— PFF SEA Seahawks (@PFF_Seahawks) May 6, 2018
Sounds like he's just picking up where he left off... pic.twitter.com/DQfwPwEk2I
While Russell Wilson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, there is nothing behind him in terms of backups. Before drafting McGough, the Seahawks only had Austin Davis and Stephen Morris behind Wilson. Davis has not thrown a pass in the NFL since 2015, and Morris has never thrown a pass in his NFL career. Both are uninspiring options if Wilson were to miss some time.
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For now, McGough seems like the favorite to win the backup job. McGough shows a nice blend of arm strength and the ability to scramble, which will help him have success in the league. While in the short term, McGough might be viewed as just a backup, there is potential there to become an NFL starter one day.