Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 3 Replacements for Jameis Winston in 2020 NFL Draft
Justin Herbert, Oregon Ducks
Stats: 2,662 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, 3 interceptions, 69.6 percent completion rate
Considered to be the top quarterback in the 2018 draft class had he come out, Justin Herbert decided to return to Oregon for his senior year. It was probably the best choice he could have made.
He’s led the Ducks to a 9-1 record and the No. 6 ranking in the College Football Playoff polls. They are on a collision course with No. 7 Utah in the Pac-12 Championship Game as long as both teams win out. All of that success is related to a very strong defense and the excellent play of Herbert.
During the Ducks’ 9-1 start, Herbert has helped the team win nine straight games since the season-opening loss to Auburn in the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game in Atlanta. That includes five games in which he threw over three touchdown passes and three 300+ passing yard outings.
Furthermore, he’s improved on the form that made him arguably the best signal-caller in this past year’s draft class. His mechanics have become more sound and his accuracy has dramatically improved over the past three seasons. He’s also fully healthy and is leading the best Oregon team since the Chip Kelly era.
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He should be available when the Bucs pick next April and would be an excellent fit for Arians’ offense. He’s mobile, accurate and has a strong arm. Also, his football IQ continues to grow as the season progresses, which is exactly what you want to see from a young quarterback. Come next April, don’t be surprised if Licht and Arians turn in a draft card with Herbert’s name on it.