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The Chargers moved on from quarterback Philip Rivers after 16 seasons. The move was an indication that they were eyeing a new era at the position.
After striking out in the sweepstakes for veteran Tom Brady and electing to not pursue Cam Newton, it became more clear that Los Angeles was going to likely take advantage of picking in the top-10 for the third time in 15 years by selecting Rivers’ replacement.
Justin Herbert and and now Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were commonly mocked players to Los Angeles after bypassing Brady and Newton. Many fans were in favor of Tagovailoa while Herbert received mixed reviews.
Some wanted him, while others didn’t due to concerns with him as a passer and his “reserved personality”.
Regardless, Herbert possessed NFL-style tools with his size, athleticism, arm talent, intelligence along with above-average accuracy. General manager Tom Telesco covets production, which is what Herbert exemplified in college.
Herbert appeared in 43 career games (42 starts) for the Ducks, amassing 10,541 passing yards and 95 touchdowns to 23 interceptions.
Coach Anthony Lynn values ball security and his touchdown to interception ratio spoke for itself.
Herbert also led the Ducks to a win over Wisconsin in the 2020 Rose Bowl Game. He was named the game’s Offensive MVP after scoring three rushing touchdowns.
In January, Herbert participated in the 2020 Senior Bowl. He went 9-of-12 for 83 yards and a touchdown in the game, earning MVP honors.
With Los Angeles shifting gears to a mobile quarterback, Herbert possesses the ability to win with his legs. And with the offense shifting to a spread, RPO-heavy scheme, it’s a match made in heaven.
Herbert is unlikely to start Week 1 because Tyrod Taylor will serve as the bridge, but this will allow him to develop any inconsistencies to his game and get into an offense with NFL level coaching to match his strengths and abilities.
The bottom line is that Herbert has the intangibles to revitalize the L.A. offense and if the Chargers coach the best out of Herbert, they have themselves a heck of a signal caller that could potentially lead them to a Super Bowl.
“This is just such an incredible opportunity. Words can’t describe how excited and thrilled and fired up I am for this,” Herbert said after being selected by the Bolts.
To read more about Herbert, I wrote an article in January, stating why I believe he would be a home run of a pick for the Chargers.