2020 NFL Draft: The difficult and confusing evaluation of Justin Herbert

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SALT LAKE CITY, UT – NOVEMBER 19: Quarterback Justin Herbert #10 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball against the Utah Utes during their game at Rice-Eccles Stadium on November 19, 2016 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Gene Sweeney Jr/Getty Images) /

The confusing eval of Herbert

Unlike Burrow, Justin Herbert was not a quarterback that set the world on fire in 2019 during his senior campaign. He improved in areas like accuracy going from a 59.4 completion percentage in 2018 to 66.7 in 2019. His touchdown to interception ratio went from 29-8 to 32-5 in his fourth year as well. While some areas improved this season, the same questions remain around Herbert going into the NFL as evaluators had at the end of the 2018 season.

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Lacking that game to point to as a clear indicator of why Herbert is the next great quarterback is still the biggest question left unanswered. Oregon won the Pac-12 championship against Utah this past week for the first time under Herbert, but it wasn’t a game that brought a sense of satisfaction. The senior quarterback put together the same performance we have grown accustomed to with some great plays and head-scratching moments.

Herbert also failed to show that he can overcome adversity and bring his team back when trailing late in games. One that really comes to mind is the game against Arizona State in which he threw two interceptions. Oregon started to build some momentum late in the game to make an attempt at a comeback but fell short. Playing from behind and leading your team to victory late in games is a significant trait that NFL teams will look for in the search for their next signal caller.

So what does his 2020 NFL Draft stock look like just four months away from the 2020 NFL Draft?

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