2020 NFL Mock Draft: Raiders hit reset at quarterback, Jets get star on edge
By Randy Gurzi
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Another veteran quarterback needing to prove himself to a new coach is Andy Dalton of the Cincinnati Bengals. Marvin Lewis, their head coach for the past 16 seasons, has moved on and in comes Zac Taylor. The former Los Angeles Rams quarterbacks coach is expected to give the offense a much-needed shot in the arm, or more specifically, in Dalton’s arm.
The “Red Rifle” has had plenty of success throughout his eight-year career, which included five-straight winning seasons to start his career. Since then, he’s trailed off and has had three consecutive losing campaigns. While it’s not all on him, the quarterback is the one who the entire offense flows through and ultimately gets the credit or blame. And with the Bengals still rebuilding, Dalton will likely take some heat for their record once again in 2019.
Unless Taylor and Dalton just completely hit it off, there will likely be a change at the position in the offseason and, in this mock, Justin Herbert ends up being the guy to take over. For much of the 2018 season, Herbert’s name was being mentioned as one of the top quarterbacks who were draft-eligible. Despite being heavily scouted throughout the year, he ended up deciding to stay with the Ducks for one more season.
His reasoning for staying had nothing to do with development, but rather it was his chance to play alongside his brother who will be a tight end for Oregon this season. This all worked out nicely for the Bengals as they get their new face of the franchise here.