2020 NFL Draft: 5 Best landing spots for Justin Herbert

Justin Herbert is one of the big quarterback dominoes to fall in the 2020 NFL Draft but where would the Oregon product fit best among needy teams?

The 2020 NFL Draft conversation has been all about the quarterback. But while Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow have been at the forefront of the discussion, Oregon’s Justin Herbert may be the biggest domino to fall. He’s a consensus addition to the top three prospects at the position in the class, though many view him as a tier below Burrow and Tua.

Despite that, Herbert has all the tools to become a high-level NFL quarterback. The former Ducks has displayed quality decision-making, a big arm, nice accuracy and many other things that you need from a good quarterback. The issues with Herbert, however, are questions about his mentality, leadership and consistency.

Herbert has been criticized for the mental aspects of his game, even if he checks every box from a physical standpoint. However, if the right team in need of a franchise signal-caller is willing to give him time and mold him, he could succeed. So, with that in mind, where are his best fits in the 2020 NFL Draft? These five teams stand out as the top landing spots.

5. Carolina Panthers

For the past few years, the Carolina Panthers quarterback position has been relatively divisive. Many have cited Cam Newton‘s Super Bowl and MVP run in 2015 as the reason he can get the team back to those heights. However, others believe his injuries and accuracy issues as to why he won’t be back at that level again.

In 2019, Newton’s injury problems reared their ugly head once again as he had to eventually undergo foot surgery after being sidelined from Week 2 on. With Newton out, the hole at quarterback is apparent. Kyle Allen was rough for most of the year, as was Will Grier when he took limited snaps at the end of the season.

Since then, Carolina has undergone many changes in the front office and with the coaching staff. Former Baylor head coach was hired by the Panthers in the same role while Joe Brady was named the new offensive coordinator. With the changes and a relatively new owner in David Tepper, the chances of the Panthers retaining Newton are significantly lowered. Justin Herbert, however, has all the tools Rhule and the front office could fall in love with.

Not only could the coaches and brass like what Herbert brings but the situation in Carolina could suit Herbert well. The Panthers don’t have the playoffs in mind in 2020 as they’re rebuilding, so there won’t be any pressure on the Oregon product to succeed a great deal. That will afford him the necessary time to develop. If the Panthers can get more help on the offense, they could fit ideally for Herbert.