The Chicago Bears 2020 draft plans are a long way from being set in stone. However, most would agree that they will be keeping a sharp eye on the quarterbacks involved, even if they don’t have a 1st rounder at their disposal. The continued decline of Mitch Trubisky has all but proven to them that he isn’t what they were hoping for and if they want to maximize the roster they’ve built, they must find another option.
Could Justin Herbert of Oregon be one of them? Anything is possible. Then again they may not be wild about another quarterback who wears the #10 so soon. Jokes aside, many view Herbert as one of the top QBs in the 2020 class. Is this valid? After digging into his tape over the past two years, plenty of interesting notes came with it. Here is a breakdown of what the kid would offer an NFL team.
Chicago Bears 2020 draft breakdown of Justin Herbert
Strengths:
- Has the size coaches dream of at 6’6, 240 lbs. Well-built to handle the physical rigors of the NFL.
- Arm strength is arguably the best in the class. When he decides to turn it loose, the ball whistles out of his hand.
- Passes are accurate almost every time. Consistently puts it where his receivers can get it, often in stride.
- Ball placement is also good. Makes sure to throw it where the defensive back has the least likely chance to get it.
Everything about this play shows what Herbert is good at. He takes the snap and searches for the open man. The pressure sets in so he uses his legs to roll left, buying time. Rather than just run though he squares his shoulders and fires an absolute missile almost 60 yards on a line to his wide receiver in the end zone for a touchdown. Very few quarterbacks can throw the ball like that.
- Plenty athletic. Not only someone who can buy time with his legs but can take off and run on designed plays.
- Despite playing in a spread offense, his mechanics are pretty sharp with a good throwing motion and proper feet.
- Doesn’t put the ball in harms way a lot, making smart decisions even when it involves taking a sack.
Weaknesses:
- Though he has the arm strength, his deep ball can best be called questionable. His touch is inconsistent and erratic.
- Not experienced at all playing from under center. He’s a pure shotgun quarterback, which could lengthen his adjustment time to the NFL.
- Shows he can be rattled at times when blitzed a lot. Can get happy feet and his passing accuracy will suffer.
- Tends not to throw it deep a lot unless his target is wide open. Needs to be better about giving his guys a chance.
- For his timidity throwing deep, he can be a bit aggressive when throwing into tight coverages, which will be much more dangerous in the NFL.
- Can be somewhat slow in his reads. Sometimes locks into one target or will get to his other options too late in the play.
Pro comparison: Roman Gabriel
Most modern fans won’t remember Gabriel so let’s put it this way. He was a big, strong, and athletic quarterback with a gun for an arm who could make almost any throw in the book. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and won league MVP in the 1960s. His passes were accurate and he was willing to take off and run when there was nobody to throw to. If there was a Hall of Very Good for quarterbacks, he was a charter member.
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Projection: 1st round
Let’s be honest. There is no way Herbert is getting out of the 1st round, or even the top 15. He’s way too talented in too many areas for that to happen. He checks every box in the physical category which means his biggest obstacle will be learning a more complex system and being able to read defenses both pre and post-snap. He has the capability to do so provided he gets the right kind of coaching.
