The Green Bay Packers have opted to move former USFL quarterback Alex McGough to wide receiver for his third NFL season.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Alex McGough is switching positions to become a wide receiver ahead of the 2018 NFL season.
when spending last season as the franchise’s third-string quarterback, his shift comes when the Packers selected Tulane quarterback Michael Pratt in the 2024 NFL Draft. The adjustment could take use of McCough’s remarkable physical abilities.
Matt LaFleur, the head coach, told Packers.com, “He’s [McGough] a really athletic person. He spent a lot of time on the scout team, running receiver routes, and did an excellent job. We believe he is a really talented athlete. “Why not give him a chance there?”
Despite being regarded as a two-star prospect and ranked 264th among Florida high school prospects, McGough elected to attend Florida International University. He had early success with the Panthers, starting 12 games as a freshman.
During his four years in Miami, he progressed greatly, throwing nearly 3,000 yards and completing more than 65 percent of his passes as FIU had its most successful season in history.
This college-level performance was remarkable enough to win a berth in the NFL Draft; McGough was taken in the seventh round, just a few spots away from the infamous “Mr. Irrelevant” designation. Nonetheless, he had limited success in the NFL, bouncing across the practice squads of the Seattle Seahawks, Houston Texans, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Later, McGough was selected sixth overall in the 2022 USFL Draft. McGough was signed by the Packers as a backup player in 2023, but he quickly rose to prominence after starter quarterback J’Mar Smith suffered an injury. The Birmingham Stallions quarterback passed for 2,105 yards and 20 touchdowns in nine starts, with an impressive 67.4 percent accuracy.
He won the league’s MVP award and led his squad to consecutive USFL championships. Despite a mediocre football career at Florida International University (FIU), McGough appeared more at ease using his strong 6’4, 215-pound bulk at the grassroots level. He racked up 403 yards on 70 rushing attempts, averaging nearly six yards per carry.
This footwork has given coach LaFleur hope for McGough’s chances at receiver. Only a few quarterbacks have successfully switched to receiver positions; Julian Edelman and Terelle Pryor stand out. However, history does not always support McGough’s position.
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