2019 NFL Mock Draft: Defensive line rules at start of training camp

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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2019 NFL Draft
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Quaterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball against the Boise State Broncos in the Las Vegas Bowl at Sam Boyd Stadium on December 16, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Boise State won 38-28. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

23. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, Oregon, QB

Eventually, the Los Angeles Chargers will need to replace Philip Rivers. It’s just inevitable considering he will turn 37 this year. Of course, he’s still playing at a high level as evidenced by his 4,515 yards passing with 28 touchdowns and just 10 picks in 2017. And he may very well have similar success in 2018.

Going for a quarterback won’t be a knock on him so much as it would be about staying prepared for when he does hang it up. By taking Justin Herbert here, they get themselves a player who can begin to be groomed for the starting job in the near future.

Herbert is incredibly tall and has the body to hold up in the NFL. He has great accuracy and plenty of arm strength to make the big time throws. While he has all these positives, there’s still some work to do in order for him to be an elite player. That can happen by him working under the tutelage of a great signal caller like Rivers.

So far in his career, Herbert has completed 65.3 percent of his passes for 3,919 yards and 34 touchdowns against only nine picks. He’s shown above average mobility as well, especially given his size, and has seven career rushing touchdowns.