2020 NFL Draft Scouting Report
Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon
Positives
A physically gifted quarterback with the tools necessary to develop into a productive starter in the NFL. Patient in the pocket, sells ball fakes and looks away from covered targets. Goes through progressions, senses the rush and only leaves the pocket as a last resort. Athletic and gets outside the pocket to elude the rush and buy time for wideouts. Possesses a big arm and easily gets the ball downfield.
Spreads the ball around, distributes passes to all his targets and stays away from mental mistakes. Quickly locates the open wideout and flashes the ability to beautifully place throws into receivers’ hands. Throws a catchable pass and does not make receivers work hard to come away with the reception. Displays an awareness of what’s happening on the field. Accurate downfield. Loses nothing on the move and gets rid of the ball with a flick of his wrist. Effectively sets up screen throws. Sturdy, tough to bring down in the pocket and shows a lot of toughness as a ball carrier.
Negatives
Very streaky and inconsistent in all areas. Does not find defenders in the back seven and forces the ball to covered targets on occasion. Never showed the ability to carry the offense. Struggled to come through in big spots for Oregon. Looked great during Senior Bowl practices and NFL Combine workouts, but often came up short during the important moments of college games.
Analysis
Herbert has been highly rated by scouts the past two seasons and has top-10 ability. And while he possesses the physical skills to be a starter at the next level, Herbert’s inability to consistently play at a high level and come through during important moments is troubling. His reserved personality may not be a fit for every coach or in every city, but the person able to tap into Herbert and teach him to play to his utmost ability will have a very good NFL quarterback.