Los Angeles Chargers select Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL Draft: Grading the pick
Tyrod Taylor is holding down the spot for the future quarterback, of the Los Angeles Chargers, Justin Herbert.
Philip Rivers is long gone and the Los Angeles Chargers needed a future quarterback. Tyrod Taylor was brought in as the bridge signal-caller to hold down the spot for whoever the Chargers drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft. With the No. 6 pick, the Chargers selected former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.
Herbert is 6-6, 236 pounds with a cannon for an arm. He comes into an offense with weapons that cater to what he does best. Offensive coordinator, Shane Steichen needs a quarterback that excels in play-action — Herbert does.
Last season, the offense needed someone who could move around in the pocket and make plays with their legs — Herbert does that too.
The Chargers require a quarterback who has an arm strong enough to exploit the deep-threat ability of Mike Williams — Herbert does that too.
Justin Herbert. A. player. 13. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. Oregon
While he has his strengths, he’s not the perfect quarterback, this, sitting out the season or at least partially could be beneficial. Taylor’s a mobile quarterback with a high football IQ who can teach Herbert the ropes.
If all goes well, the Chargers could win now with Taylor while grooming Herbert for the future. Should things go south, we could see Herbert earlier than expected. With that said, he’ll likely rely on his legs to bail him out. Despite not being used as a rushing threat until late in the season, Herbert has solid wheels, running a 4.68-second 40-yard dash.
The Chargers have the defense that could help bail him out as well. Behind him is an electric back, Austin Ekeler who’ll be a safety valve on third-downs. Like Josh Allen, during his rookie season with the Buffalo Bills, Herbert could surprise defenses with his athleticism.
Next. 2020 NFL Draft grades: Instant reaction to first-round picks. dark
With the top to quarterbacks off the board, the Chargers found their guy in Justin Herbert. They didn’t have to make any crazy decisions by trading up. Nor did they wait for the fourth or fifth best quarterbacks in the second round. This was a smart move and they earned the proper grade by being patient.