2021 NFL Quarterback Power Rankings: How far ahead is Patrick Mahomes?

By Randy Gurzi | Jun 7, 2021

KANSAS CITY, MO - JANUARY 17: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs looks for an open receiver in the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns in the AFC Divisional Playoff at Arrowhead Stadium on January 17, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 06: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers scrambles out of the pocket in the first quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at SoFi Stadium on December 06, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

13. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

At one point, Justin Herbert appeared to be a lock to go first overall in the 2019 NFL Draft. But then, the Oregon star elected to return to the Ducks for one more season — because he wanted to be on the team with his brother who was a freshman that year.

Herbert had already proven he could do it all, which meant his final season was used to nitpick his game and that led to him being selected after Joe Burrow — who was phenomenal in 2019 — and Tua Tagovailoa who was good but had a ton of questions including a hip injury.

Still, Tua somehow went ahead of Herbert in the draft and it didn’t take long at all to realize the Los Angeles Chargers lucked out. Herbert was on the heels of Joe Burrow from the start and perhaps Burrow finishes with a better season if he doesn’t get hurt, but that’s not a guarantee.

That’s no knock on Burrow, but just a testament to how well Herbert performed. In 15 starts, he had 4,336 yards through the air with 31 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions. He added another 234 yards and five touchdowns on the ground as well, which helped him walk away with the 2020 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Now, the future in L.A. looks bright since Herbert is expected to only improve, especially with an improved offensive line in front of him. This kid is a star and those who tried to pick his game apart coming into the league might have been guilty of overthinking things — which seemed to happen with Justin Fields this season but that’s for another day.

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