Throughout the pre-draft process, quarterback Justin Herbert was given pro comparisons by analysts to players like Carson Wentz, Ryan Tannehill and Paxton Lynch.
NFL Media’s Bucky Brooks recently gave his comparison on a segment of the Move The Sticks Podcast. Herbert reminds Brooks of 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo.
Here is what Brooks had to say:
I think this is the perfect marriage, because I think they will create an offense that has a lot of play-action passes, some movement-based passes that put him on the move. He was kind of underutilized in that aspect at Oregon. I think he can be what we call a ‘highly-efficient game manager.’ I don’t know if he’ll be the takeover type, meaning like a Pat Mahomes type. But I do believe he can do like the guy that played against Pat Mahomes — Jimmy Garroppolo. High level of efficiency in terms of getting the ball to the playmakers and being able to win a ton of games. Justin Herbert, to me, has that type of ceiling. He’s not what I would call a five-star player, but I certainly think he’s a four-star player that can get them to the winner circle.
Brooks states that both Herbert and Garroppolo are efficient at getting the ball to their skill players and are able to win a lot of games.
Herbert has been compared to recent busts like Lynch, Blake Bortles and Blaine Gabbert. But even with three coaches and three offenses, he still managed to flourish, amassing 10,541 passing yards and 95 touchdowns. Those numbers rank him among the best in Oregon history.
While Herbert played at Oregon, I got Wentz vibes from him. Both are big quarterbacks with high level arm talent, great confidence and pocket presence, underrated athleticism, confidence and natural leadership skills.
While Herbert does need to work on his anticipation, instincts, field vision and mechanics, I believe Herbert can overcome his flaws with better players and scheme around him, which is why having skill players like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler and Hunter Henry will elevate him, as well as a system that involves more RPOs to play to his strengths.
If everything goes right, Herbert could be a star in the NFL.