Sports are pretty much canceled for the foreseeable future and much of the country is preparing for a lockdown and severe toilet paper shortage due to the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Several NFL teams have officially shut down their headquarters and the annual league meetings have been canceled.
Exceptions are being made, though. One of them happens to be Panthers general manager Marty Hurney, who is apparently still traveling and was on hand for Oregon’s sparsely-attended Pro Day on Thursday.
The big name to watch for the Ducks this year is Justin Herbert, who is supposed to be the third quarterback off the board in this class after Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa. Hurney was photographed by NFL Network congratulating Herbert after his throwing session.
Panthers GM Marty Hurney was waiting for Justin Herbert after he finished throwing to tell him good job đ pic.twitter.com/pvdamQq8s8
— Andrew Groover (@APGroover) March 13, 2020
Herbert’s numbers in college were impressive. He threw for 95 touchdowns, 23 interceptions and a 153.1 passer rating. While he has plenty of arm strength and potential to spare, the question with Herbert is if he’s truly a pro ready prospect. His game is still relatively raw and he has to improve on getting through his progressions and throwing with anticipation.
If the Panthers are really interested in Herbert, they’ll probably have to take him with the No. 7 overall pick. He would project as their franchise quarterback of the future, likely starting in 2021 after Cam Newton’s current contract is over.
Of course, there are other Oregon prospects worth considering this year. Linebacker Troy Dye and offensive lineman Shane Lemieux would also fill important needs for the team.
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