It only took a season for Justin Herbert to put himself in the mix as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL.
But where exactly does Herbert stand among the other signal-callers?
After surveying over 50 league executives, coaches, scouts, and players, Herbert finds himself as the ninth-best QB heading into the 2021 season, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
The physical traits were always there for Herbert coming out of Oregon.
“Big as hell. Looks like Megatron,” a Pro Bowl running back said of the 6-foot-6, 237-pound passer. “He’s going to be a factor for a long time.”
The arm strength and athleticism was, too.
“He and Josh Allen are very similar — that’s the way the league is going, the prototype,” a veteran NFL quarterback said. “Huge arm, can stand in there and throw, and [he’s] athletic to make plays.
However, no one expected Herbert to put the league on notice in the way that he did after being thrown into the fire in the second game of the season following the punctured lung to Tyrod Taylor.
Herbert shredded defenses on a weekly basis, demonstrating the talent and composure of a quarterback that had been in the league for years, all while dealing with a deteriorated offensive line and injuries to his top targets throughout the season.
“The throws he was making as a rookie, to hang in there and deliver, almost 60 yards in the air off his back foot while getting drilled, rookies don’t make those types of plays unless [they’re a] special player.”
Herbert needed only 15 games to set new NFL rookie records with 31 passing touchdowns and 396 completions. He became the youngest player in NFL history to reach 30 touchdowns. He also led all rookies in passing yards (4,336) and completion percentage (66.6%).
While he will be playing in his fifth offense dating back to his freshman year in college, Herbert should be able to overcome any learning curves due to his high football IQ.
With a revamped offensive line and a full year to develop chemistry with his top play-makers, the sky is the limit for the 22-year old Herbert.