For the last 14 years, the Los Angeles Chargers have had Phillip Rivers start every game under center. During that time, Rivers was named to eight pro-bowls while earning a record of 123-101 throughout his career.
Rivers currently holds numerous Chargers records, as he’s the franchise leader in passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdowns. The veteran quarterback has put together a resumé where he’s the most decorated quarterback in franchise history. The team is set to move on and find a new signal-caller this offseason despite his contributions to the organization.
In 2019, the Chargers finished the season with a 5-11 record, giving them the sixth-overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The No. 6 pick will give them a possible game-changing player for years to come.
With the Chargers picking inside the top 10, they’ll have many options at their disposal. The Chargers find themselves in prime position to target a quarterback in round one. Due to having Rivers, that is something they haven’t had to do in quite some time.
One name that projects to be a possible suitor for the Chargers’ first-round selection is former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert.
For a quarterback listed at 6-foot-6, Herbert is incredibly athletic. He’s extraordinary capable of using his legs and extending plays when pressure collapses the throwing lane. The Chargers offensive line still needs immense improvement in pass protection, which makes his mobility an even more vital weapon.
Another intriguing aspect is Herbert’s remarkable pocket presence. His awareness to sit back in the pocket and take what opposing defenses are giving him—while commanding control of the line of scrimmage—sticks out as someone who could thrive in the NFL.
Accuracy concerns have followed him throughout his time in Eugene. However, with the Chargers’ elusive weapons at wide receiver, such as Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, his precision passing would be in good hands as he looks to improve his completion percentage.
The Chargers also possess Austin Ekeler and Justin Jackson at running back. Not only do they contribute to the team’s rushing attack, but they are also quality pass-catchers out of the backfield. Having dependable running backs on the roster can be crucial to a rookie quarterback. Luckily, the Chargers have quite a few effective running backs to deploy.
Just over two weeks ago, Herbert competed in the Senior Bowl with the nation’s top seniors in Mobile, Alabama. As a reward for his efforts, Herbert was given the game’s MVP award. The incoming quarterback prospect impressed by going 9/12 for 83 yards and one touchdown.
Another area where scouts may fall in love with Herbert is the explosiveness in which the ball comes out of his hand. During his days in college, the four-year Oregon starter displayed a confident knack to push the ball downfield vertically. The NFL Combine and Pro Day will be another huge testament where he ends up being drafted. That will be a time where talent evaluators will get another look at what he brings to the table.
The Chargers are now set-out to open the brand new SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and it’s apparent that they’ll have a new quarterback, with Herbert being a viable option moving forward.
