2020 NFL Draft: Oregon QB Justin Herbert accepts Senior Bowl invitation

After a successful campaign with the University of Oregon, quarterback Justin Herbert will begin his 2020 NFL Draft process with a trip to the Senior Bowl.

Senior Bowl Executive Director Jim Nagy broke the news last night that Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert has accepted his invitation and will participate in the Senior Bowl festivities. Already viewed as a top-10 pick by many in the 2020 NFL Draft, Herbert will have a chance to wow both the Cincinnati Bengals’ and Detroit Lions’ coaching staffs.

This is huge news as the former Ducks signal-caller was initially projected in the top 10 of most mock drafts and did not have to participate but he elected to do so. He joins a solid list of quarterbacks already committed to Mobile such as Jalen Hurts, Anthony Gordon, Shea Patterson, and the mystifying Jordan Love.

Herbert has the arm talent to make any NFL level throw plus the athleticism of an Aaron Rodgers to escape the pocket when things get cluttered inside it. He hasn’t often used the athleticism this season as a senior but won the Pac-12 championship and Rose Bowl with his legs.

https://twitter.com/JimNagy_SB/status/1214720821538766850?s=20

He has all the physical tools including height and weight (6’6 240). The mental aspect is where he struggles some as he has shown flashes of processing the pocket but he has undergone significant staff changes throughout his career. He has the arm to make the throws but often fails to throw with any anticipation.

It will be interesting to see how he fares against some of the best defensive players in the nation and how he compares with his position group. Herbert is looking to hold his draft stock, and maybe even see it rise a bit, with a trip to the Senior Bowl.