Los Angeles Chargers: 2020 NFL Draft Grades and Analysis

Justin Herbert is one of the most polarizing players in the entire draft. Some draft analysts see his massive potential, while others see his glaring flaws and mistakes that could very well force him out of the league in just a few years.

For now, I will give the pick a C+. While I am firmly in the latter of the two above draft takes, I still believe Herbert can be a quality fit for the type of football that Anthony Lynn wants to play but it is imperative that the coaches wait at least a year before Herbert should even sniff regular-season snaps.

Luckily, the Chargers already have quarterback Tyrod Taylor on the team to start next season which will benefit Herbert. He can learn behind a true professional in Taylor while he perfects the mental aspect of the game.

Herbert has a lot of work to do before the team should feel comfortable about him as a starter in the NFL. He stares down receivers and has massive issues going through his progressions. His footwork especially becomes an absolute mess the longer he stands in the pocket and looks for his second and third options. That’s when his accuracy plummets.

Herbert needs to prove that he can correct these issues, something he was not able to do in four years at Oregon. Although to be fair, he did go through coaching and scheme changes almost every year he was the starter.

It’s not all doom and gloom though Chargers fans. Herbert really does have a massive ceiling. He has prototypical size and arm strength to be a star in the league. He has excellent athleticism for someone his size and will keep defenses honest with his legs.

Luckily, I think the Chargers see these limitations as well as will utilize Herbert as more of a game manager more than the guy to carry an offense on his shoulders. There’s nothing wrong with this but it’s worth wondering if the 6th overall pick could have been used on someone more than a game manager.