2020 NFL Draft: Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert scouting report

Physical

Herbert is a freakish athletic prospect, but not below the waist. Herbert is not going to create massive plays with his legs or be a 100+ yard rusher, but he is capable of keeping a play alive long enough for a receiver to come open.

Regarding his athleticism outside the pocket, Herbert does not have enough speed to break plays or even manufacture time outside the pocket. His long strides hurt agility, and top-end speed is not existent. His running style though shows both optimism and serious concern.

When taking the handle on designed quarterback runs at Oregon, his 6-foot-6 frame was used to its full potential with a more physical running style that was predicated on taking his size and using it to fall forward for additional yardage. This will not end well at the next level. Quarterbacks are not protected the same once they’re outside the pocket, and the imminent injury risk is never going to be worth the minimal production from Herbert on the ground.

Inside the pocket, Herbert still needs to improve his stature and strength against the pass rush. His size and weight suggest a similar style of escaping the pocket to Ben Roethlisberger. Enough size to muscle through tacklers, and just enough elusiveness and speed to extend plays outside the pocket.

Physically above the waist, Herbert is one of the most gifted passers I have ever seen. When throwing on the run or off a poor platform, Herbert has shown numerous times that he is more than capable of making quality throws with only his upper body. This kind of strength is unheard of and shows just how capable Herbert is at getting the ball downfield.

One example of this arm strength was a single completion for 14 yards against Washington. When finding his target, Herbert identified the tight window and acknowledged that this ball would need more pace on it.

When beginning his wind-up, Herbert took a larger step forward and leaned into this throw. Similar to how a pitcher throws a baseball, Herbert threw his body through to the target and delivered a perfect ball into a tight window to the numbers of this receiver for a first down conversion. This kind of hardball throw is what divides the average arms from the elite, and this is what NFL front offices should be looking at Herbert for as a 2020 NFL draft prospect.