Bolts From The Blue
After his first year in Greg Roman’s run-first offense, Justin Herbert is still seen as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Justin Herbert continues to be ranked every offseason as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL by analysts and professionals, alike. This year is no different as Herbert was ranked No. 7 among NFL passers in ESPN’s annual rankings in which league execs, coaches, and scouts were surveyed.
The range of rankings for Herbert ranged from No. 3 (his highest given rank) all the way to unranked and off the top 10 entirely. In the end, his average safely placed him amongst the best.
Here’s what NFL analyst Jeremy Fowler and the anonymous surveyors had to say about Herbert and his placement:
“Herbert’s immense talent keeps him in the top seven but hasn’t vaulted him into the first tier of quarterbacks, despite elite production.”
“His 21,093 career passing yards are the most in NFL history through five seasons. Last season, he was asked to sacrifice yardage as part of offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s run-heavy attack, with his attempts per game dipping from 35.0 to 29.6 year over year. Sticking to the ball-control plan, Herbert’s three interceptions on 504 attempts marked the lowest interception rate (0.6%) by any qualified quarterback since Tom Brady in 2016.”
“Many evaluators agree: If starting the league from scratch and drafting quarterbacks, Herbert is still getting picked very high.”
Some professionals believe Herbert — even as good as he’s been through his first five seasons — that he may still not be valued as much as he should.
“‘He’s always been a top-5 to -8 QB — accurate to all levels, athletic, sound decision-maker,’ an AFC executive said. ‘It’s almost like he’s underrated now, in my opinion. He’s taken for granted.’”
However, Herbert’s postseason record remains something to be held against him discussing his legacy up to this point.
“And it’s not as though he can’t thrive late in games. His 15 game-winning drives are the most from any quarterback drafted in 2020 or later. Still, some evaluators believe something appears to be holding him back, and his 0-2 playoff record doesn’t help.”
“‘The players above him [in the top 10] consistently create more off-schedule plays, are more dangerous in the two-minute [drill] and have won in the playoffs,’ a veteran NFC personnel evaluator said. ‘The offense he currently plays in is by far the least QB-friendly in terms of the passing game, which doesn’t help him. Justin can get there. He has the ability, so it should come in time.’”
So what do you all think of Herbert’s ranking? Along with the analysis from those surveyed? Let us know in the comments below!
