If a new front office comes to Jacksonville, look for the team to keep their eyes on top QB prospect Justin Herbert out of Oregon.
Just three weeks ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars were entering a division rivalry at 4-4 before heading into the bye week. Since, they’ve been blown out two consecutive weeks by their AFC South foes, leading to a lot of frustration among fans — and rightfully so.
Many of those fans are calling for the firing of the front office and coaching staff. While that discussion is for another article, I am here to discuss what could happen if that were to transpire.
If the Jaguars were to let go of their front office and coaching staff, the Jags would have to be looking at a new quarterback in the draft. Usually, when a team hires a new general manager and head coach, a new quarterback soon follows. It would be naive to think any differently for Jacksonville. While the team may be out of range for Louisiana State gunslinger Joe Burrow, they certainly may end up in the range for Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.
Herbert is a lot of fan’s dream quarterback, checking off just about every box one could have. Herbert brings A+ arm strength and athleticism to the table to go along with his 6-foot-6, 245-pound frame. In many ways, Herbert is comparable to Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz. That type of size, arm talent, and athleticism is a rare combination and is why many have drooled over this particular Oregon Duck.
In a crucial final year for the senior quarterback, Herbert has only further solidified himself as an elite prospect. The PAC 12 passer has gone on an absolute tear, leading the Ducks to a 9-1 record and a possible playoff bid. Herbert has completed 70% of his passes on the year, throwing for 2,662 yards, 28 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. With numbers like that, it will be interesting to see if Herbert can lead the Ducks to the playoffs.
Academically, Herbert also checks several boxes and currently has a 4.0 GPA, majoring in biology at Oregon. He has been brilliant on and off the field and also has proven to be a terrific teammate. Simply put, fans wouldn’t have to worry about him off the field.
What does the 6-foot-6 Duck bring to the table as a prospect, though, you ask?
Herbert possesses a lot of desirable traits from an NFL standpoint. As previously mentioned, his arm talent is atop the list. With the Jags having vertical threats like DJ Chark Jr., Herbert would fit right in and could give the Jags’ offense more explosion.
In my opinion, Herbert has the strongest arm in his class and it is easy to notice watching the young signal-caller.
WHEW! That’s a throw some quarterbacks in the league can’t make. Meanwhile, Herbert makes it look easy, not only displaying his arm strength but his accuracy, too. This is the throw that teams will ask prospects to make during workouts and senior days. It appears Herbert will have no trouble making these high difficulty NFL throws and making them look effortless.
At 6-foot-6, 245 pounds, Herbert brings toughness to his game as well. He’s shown the ability to stand in the pocket despite taking some shots in the process.
Herbert is big and strong and shows off his grit on this play above, taking a nice lick before delivering an absolutely beautiful pass to move the chains. One of my favorite characteristics of Blake Bortles was his toughness and Herbert will bring a similar level of selfishness and toughness that many covet and respect. Whether playing through injuries or giving up your body for a play, Herbert will go above and beyond to help his team win.
Lastly, Herbert shows the ability to improvise and make plays when things break down. While he is massive, Herbert is a threat outside of the pocket. He can take off running or extend a play as seen below.
If I had to pick one play to display Herbert as a prospect, it would be this play. The combination of his improvisational skills, arm talent, and ball placement are all on display, showing why he has been such a big name in the scouting world for so long. He may be hindered by his surrounding talent at Oregon, but if a team supports Herbert, he no doubt can become a franchise quarterback. In most classes, Herbert would be the top quarterback.
If he is on the board when Jacksonville is on the clock, I would expect the new front office to take a good, long, hard look at this Duck. At the end of the day, his talent may just be too good to pass up.
