QB Justin Herbert Provides Impact in Big Games
Draft Insiders’ Yearbook Scouting Report – NFL Draft 2020
QB Justin Herbert has been a major difference maker for the Chargers after being taken in Round One. Frank Coyle of Draft Insiders’ ranked him as the #2 QB behind only the first overall selection Joe Burrow. He ranked him as one of premier playmakers in recent NFL Draft classes and fore casted him an early NFL starter. He has been a major steal as the #6 overall select and arguably one of the best values in the entire draft class. He has the Chargers competing for a playoff spot this fall in the very competitive AFC West which may provide three clubs for the NFL 2022 playoffs.
2 Justin Herbert #10 – 6-6, 235, Oregon – Sp. 4.70
NFL Play Comparison: Carson Wentz – Rating 90
Big athletic senior led the Ducks’ offense the past four seasons, displaying blue chip skills for the position. During his true freshman season, he flashed big play ability while starting seven games on his way to 42 career starts. Finished his career with an MVP award in the Rose Bowl and a strong performance at the Senior Bowl. He displays optimal physical traits of an NFL starting QB – very good size and overall athleticism with an elite arm along with good mobility and pocket awareness. His intangibles include poise, anticipation, toughness, vision and leadership. Operated behind a talented line which supplies three linemen likely drafted in this class. Shows the complete physical package with excellent production at a high level. Displays good footwork to set up and shows a crisp long delivery with smooth release and capable of firing strikes with touch and timing. Needs to continue to improve touch and accuracy in the shorter zones and hitting receivers in stride. Quick footwork to move in the pocket and create passing lanes with the instincts to go through his check downs fast and find secondary receivers. Capable of pulling the ball down and making a play with his feet regularly. Late in his career, he added muscle to hold up to the rigors of the NFL. Shows quick feet to avoid pressure well, reset his feet and plant to make a big throw. Operated mainly from the gun and needs work on his drop back and setting his feet while reading coverage. Shows the smarts and discipline to be a quick study. Usually makes sound decisions with the ball, by displaying the ability to deliver strikes down the seam. Possesses touch on deep passes. His long throwing mechanics are a concern, though he shortened it up over his final effort which improved his accuracy significantly. Also showed the ability to make quicker adjustments and take control and rally his offense. Makes clutch throws with the game on the line. Possesses a powerful arm with improved touch to hit receivers in stride. At times, shows a tendency to focus too long on his primary target and needs to progress to his other options quicker when under pressure. Needs to step up in the pocket and drive the ball into intermediate windows. Shows good ball security in general with quick decisions. Needs improved basic footwork and follow through while showing more pocket presence. Over his career, he played in 44 games with 10,541 passing yards for a 64% with 95 TDs and 23 interceptions. At the NFL Combine, he came in at 6’6” and 236 lbs. with 10” hands and 32 7/8” arms. Ran a 4.68 time with a 35.5” VJ, a 10’3” BJ and added a 4.46 shuttle and 7.06 three cone. In the passing drills, he displayed good velocity, timing and accuracy. He helped his cause with a strong performance. Threw the ball well with timing, velocity and accuracy. His competitiveness has been questioned, though his strong postseason addressed that in big games, Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Athletic frame holds up to the physical demands of the game. Shows good defensive recognition to go through his progressions to find secondary receivers. Graded out high vs talented Pac-12 defenders with extensive time vs NFL caliber prospects. Won Pac-12 title in 2019. Despite a middling skill position supporting cast, he had excellent production with minimal mistakes. Athlete with talent and smarts, though needs some maturity at the position. Interesting prospect with the upside potential to develop quickly and start early. Compares to Carson Wentz and is similar in size, delivery, in body type, accuracy and overall development. Blue chip QB prospect with the Dolphins, Chargers, Panthers and Jaguars hoping to land with a top ten selection.
Draft Projection: 1st Round
Frank Coyle is a long-time scout with nationwide ties with NFL and college coaches, scouts and player agents. He is a member of the FWAA and voter in College player awards – Heisman, Outland, Nagurski, Lombardi, Thorpe, Biletnikoff etc for the past 25 years. He writes College Football Mondays weekly during the season. He is a longtime scouting consultant for the Senior Bowl, the nation’s premier postseason All-star game. He does sports radio shows for CBS, ESPN, Fox Sports and Sporting News on a year-round basis related to NFL and College Football especially during the postseason team and All-star Bowl time. He has worked for CBS Sports, NBC Sports, Yahoo and Rivals sports publications and web sites
