Chargers GM: We would've drafted Tagovailoa if Herbert was off board

The Los Angeles Chargers drafted Justin Herbert sixth overall, but general manager Tom Telesco says they would have been happy to use the pick on another quarterback.

With Joe Burrow anticipated as the first overall pick, the Chargers considered Tua Tagovailoa and Herbert the other top QB options. Their decision, however, depended on what the Miami Dolphins did with the fifth overall selection.

The Dolphins were also interested in a signal-caller, but rumors prior to the draft suggested they could trade up to No. 2 with the Washington Redskins or No. 3 with the Detroit Lions, and they might even not select a quarterback.

"The whole 'Miami taking a tackle at three' (thing), maybe they really were - I just didn't believe that one," Telesco told "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday.

The GM added, "When you're on the clock, with that clock ticking down and you're making your pick, at that point you're not discussing what you want to do; you've already decided."

He confirmed that the Chargers would've selected Tagovailoa if both Burrow and Herbert were already taken.

"Yeah," Telesco said. "We felt great about both guys - well, actually, we felt great about all three quarterbacks who went in the top six. All three are going to be really good players in this league. ...

"If you're going to pick this high and there's a potential, down-the-road franchise quarterback there that you like, you have to take him."

The 2020 draft didn't feature any trades inside the top six picks. The Cincinnati Bengals landed Burrow at No. 1, while the Dolphins selected Tagovailoa and the Chargers chose Herbert.