Summary

• Drafted: Round 1, 6th overall (2020 NFL Draft) by the Los Angeles Chargers. SI

• College: University of Oregon.

• Key Statistics / Career: Through 2025 (Week 5), Herbert has thrown for 22,322 passing yards, 145 touchdowns, and 49 interceptions, with a career completion rate of 66.4%.

• Accolades / Character: He was named AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (2020), has been selected to the Pro Bowl (2021), and in college won the William V. Campbell Trophy for academics and leadership. Herbert is widely regarded as intelligent, competitive, and resilient, with excellent physical traits for the modern NFL quarterback.

Strengths

• Exceptional Arm Strength & Velocity — Herbert can drive the ball deep and fit throws into tight windows with zip. Last Word On Sports

• Size + Prototype Frame — At ~6'6″ and 236 lb, he has the prototypical QB build to see over the line and absorb pressure. Last Word On Sports

• Mobility & Athleticism — Though not a running QB first, he moves well in‑pocket, avoids pressure, and can make plays on the run. Wolf Sports

• Quick, Clean Release — His release is efficient, helping him get the ball out quickly when the pocket is clean. Last Word On Sports

• Touch & Accuracy When Set — He can throw with touch or velocity, and his accuracy is very good especially on short to intermediate throws when given time. CBS Sports

• High Football IQ / Maturity — Intelligent, well-studied, and shown leadership both on and off the field (e.g., Campbell Trophy). NFL Clubs

Weaknesses

• Mechanics Under Pressure — When the pocket collapses, his footwork and mechanics can become inconsistent, leading to errant throws. CBS Sports

• Progression Read Scanning — Scouts noted he sometimes holds onto the ball too long, or doesn’t fully cycle through his read progressions. Wolf Sports

• Inconsistent Deep Accuracy — At times, his downfield passes can sail or lack the ideal touch; long-ball accuracy can waver. Bleacher Report

• Turnover / Fumble Risk — In college, he fumbled a number of times, and his decision-making under duress has led to mistakes. Bleacher Report

• Conservative at Times — Has a tendency to rely on his first read and can be cautious or hesitant, limiting his explosive play-making at moments. Last Word On Sports

Fit & Outlook

Justin Herbert fits best in an NFL offense that values a strong-armed, dual‑threat quarterback who can make all the throws. He’s ideal in a system that allows clean pockets, structures reads, and leverages his downfield arm strength. Over his career, Herbert has shown he can be a foundational franchise QB: he has the physical tools, the IQ, and the leadership to carry an offense. Long-term, if he can refine his ball placement under pressure and improve his read‑progression consistency, he has the upside to be an elite, long-term starter. Even as is, he remains among the top-tier QBs in the league with a very high ceiling.