The Los Angeles Chargers drafted with an eye toward the future in the fifth round, selecting North Dakota State QB Easton Stick with the 166th overall pick.
Stay tuned the rest of the day for more about Stick throughout the day, including an exclusive first interview with the newest Charger, reaction from General Manager Tom Telesco, film breakdown and more.
But for now, learn more about Stick with what NFL.com had to say about the quarterback leading up to the draft.
School: North Dakota State
Height: 6-1
Weight: 224 pounds
Player Bio:
Taking over the starting job from future No. 2 overall draft pick and NFL starter Carson Wentz in 2015, Stick went undefeated in eight starts and led the team to a FCS title (90-of-147, 61.2 completion percentage, 1,144 yards, 13 touchdowns, four interceptions; 85 carries, 498 yards, 5.9 ypc, five touchdowns rushing). The team did not win a championship in 2016, but Stick received honorable mention All-Missouri Valley Football Conference honors (169-of-288, 58.7 completion percentage, 2,331 yards, 19 touchdowns, eight interceptions; 133 carries, 685 yards, 6.1 ypc, seven touchdowns rushing). The Bison became champs again in 2017, with Stick earning the title game's Most Valuable Player award. He also repeated honorable mention all-conference accolades as a junior (164-of-264, 62.1 completion percentage, 2,466 yards, 28 touchdowns, eight interceptions). Stick led NDSU to yet another FCS title in 2018, starting all 15 contests, completing 62.3 percent of his passes for 2,752 yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. (Stick) was a major weapon on the ground, ranking third in the FCS with 17 rushing touchdowns (117 carries, 677 yards, 5.8 ypc).
Strengths:
Rare three-year team captain and undisputed team leader
Quick drop and set-up and works feet to target
Experienced in pro-style and RPO passing attacks
Cuts it loose early and trusts timing of the route
Rhythm passer who is comfortable in bootlegs
Makes pitch-and-catch throws with decent placement
Good pocket presence to climb pocket and mobility to escape
Throws deep ball with soft touch
Determined runner with 41 career rushing touchdowns
