NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah released his first mock draft a couple days ago, where he gave the Los Angeles Chargers former Alabama offensive tackle Jedrick Wills with the No. 6 overall selection.
Two days later, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. put out his first mock draft, but he elected to go in a different direction. Kiper gave the Bolts former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with their first-round selection.
Here is what Kiper had to say about Herbert to Los Angeles:
The Chargers have some big decisions to make over the next few months. Will they bring back free-agent quarterback Philip Rivers? Will they pay up to keep tight end Hunter Henry and running back Melvin Gordon? Rivers showed some decline in 2019, throwing 20 interceptions. It could be time to start fresh with the 6-foot-6 Herbert, who has the highest ceiling of any of the quarterbacks in this class. His inconsistency can be maddening and his decision-making must improve, but you can’t doubt his talent, and a team in the top 10 could fall in love. L.A. has some issues; its defense produced just 30 sacks (despite Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram III combining for 18.5), and quarterbacks completed 70.7% of passes against it, highest in the league. The Chargers also got almost nothing from top 2019 picks Jerry Tillery and Nasir Adderley. This also could be a spot to watch for defense.
Herbert, the 6-foot-6 and 227 pound signal-caller, has been commonly mocked to the Chargers, and it’s unlikely to come to an end anytime soon. The team needs to start planning for the future even if they decide to bring back veteran Philip Rivers for another season or two.
Los Angeles is in a prime position to snag one, considering how high they’re picking and Herbert would be a solid option. The opinions are mixed on the Eugene native because of his inconsistencies, but the talent and potential to become a premiere NFL quarterback is there.
Herbert is coming off a great week of practices at the Reese’s Senior Bowl, where he displayed his maculate arm strength, terrific ball placement, athleticism and he checked off boxes that might’ve been questioned by some including his decision-making and working through his reads in team drills.
Another thing that a lot of teams want to know is if he is capable of leading an offense. Herbert said in an interview that he is vocal as opposed to being an introvert like many people label him. He displayed that on the field, and all of his receivers responded really well to him.
The former Oregon product will play in a live game setting to conclude his week down in Mobile, AL on Saturday. The game will start at 11:30 a.m. PT and will be televised on NFL Network.