2020 NFL Draft: 5 best team fits for Oregon QB Justin Herbert

With the best arm talent in the 2020 NFL Draft, Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert looks to continue his development where his talents can best be utilized.

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert has asserted himself among the top-flight prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft, but still has plenty of progression and development to undergo at the next level. With some of the best arm talent coming into the draft since the likes of Matthew Stafford, teams will be receiving a player with a great base to build from.

Teams drafting Herbert will need to acknowledge the time needed for him to acclimate, moving from an Oregon offense based around play-action and motion to draw defenders out of place and create openings for Herbert. Moving from college to professional offenses has stymied plenty of quarterbacks before, and Herbert is no different.

The five teams listed are the best fits based upon the current quarterback depth chart, coaching staff, and the general situation of the franchise in relation to drafting and developing a new quarterback.

Justin Herbert’s scouting report can be found here.

Carolina Panthers

With two current starting quarterbacks on the roster as well as rookie Will Grier, Carolina would seem set for the future under center. Cam Newton will have one year left on his current $19 million contract in 2020, and rookie Kyle Allen started well and has begun to disappoint with less than stellar performances in recent weeks.

With the remainder of the 2019 season serving as a time for management to evaluate their current assets, rookie Will Grier will make his first start for the Panthers against the Indianapolis Colts this weekend. Grier has not received an opportunity to start yet and the Panthers will be judging closely on the potential future of their franchise.

If Grier is successful for the remainder of the 2019 season, there will be no need to draft Justin Herbert in the 2020 NFL Draft, but if Grier fails to show growth from this year, the door is left open. Carolina currently has two main options for bringing in Herbert, either trading Cam Newton or Kyle Allen.

Trading Allen would likely have a return of two mid-round picks from a competitive franchise. Cam Newton would resume his role as the starter for the 2019 season, while Herbert and Grier battle for the number two spot on the depth chart. Newton would leave for a predictably lucrative deal in the summer of 2021, and Herbert would assume the starting role by the 2021 season.

Trading Newton would haul in something along the likes of a second and mid-round selection from a new contender (riding on the performance of Newton) and would begin the quarterback competition in Carolina.

Allen would take over as the starter and remain there until he falters and Herbert can assume control. If decided by the deadline, Carolina can trade Allen for assets to help in a playoff push. The offense will still remain focuses on star running back Christian McCaffrey, keeping the big-arm rookie in check.