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We’re only halfway through the week of the Senior Bowl but that doesn’t stop fans from clamoring over how some of the top prospects are doing at the year’s premier all-star showcase.
Former Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is the highest-rated prospect at the entire event and the most-mocked player to the Chargers with the sixth-overall selection in this year’s NFL Draft. With that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to give the fans some insight into how Herbert has performed up to this point and what scouts and other media members have had to say about the 6-foot-6 signal-caller.
Zac Taylor and the staff of the Cincinnati Bengals are leading the South team this week and the second-year head coach had nothing but positive reviews about his quarterback following the first practice of the week.
Bengals coach Zac Taylor said of Justin Herbert, one of his QBs at the Senior Bowl: “He’s an impressive kid. I think he’s got a good grasp of what we’re asking him to do...you can see a lot of power in his arm.” pic.twitter.com/dm1pTveGTE
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 21, 2020
One of the biggest knock’s on Herbert is his questionable decision-making. He has all the “ups” you want in a player but he does have his fair share of lows, as well. One thing that’s certain, however, is that Herbert possesses one of the livest arms in the draft and he didn’t wait that long to show it off:
Justin Herbert hits Austin Mack deep. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/ttGqphQEkO
— Austin Silvey (@SilveyESP) January 21, 2020
Florida Atlantic TE Harrison Bryant catches a long over the shoulder from Oregon QB Justin Herbert. #SeniorBowl pic.twitter.com/pTxvUdqrkR
— Demetrius Harvey (@Demetrius82) January 21, 2020
NFL Insider Tony Pauline was also captivated by Herbert’s play on Tuesday. Many others shared his feeling that Herbert was the best quarterback across both teams and it wasn’t exactly close.
Justin Herbert/Oregon having a real nice 1st #SeniorBowl practice. On the mark and threading the needle with many of his throws.
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) January 21, 2020
Here is Pauline’s report on the South Team from Tuesday for those who want a little more insight about not only Hebert’s performance, but the rest of the team, as well.
.@TonyPauline: Justin Herbert looked phenomenal on Tuesday displaying all the physical tools and leadership skills necessary for the next level. He was right on the money with many of his throws and his pass placement was off the charts. https://t.co/VZ8DIiJQVd
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) January 22, 2020
Here is another great review of the South team’s first practice that features Herbert by The Draft Network’s Jordan Reid. Here’s what Reid had to say about Herbert:
“When projected first-round players commit to the Senior Bowl, it’s always interesting to see if they stand out during the three days of practice. Last year, we saw multiple first-round prospects along the offensive line, but it was Montez Sweat who stole the show and eventually wound up as the 26th-overall pick by the Washington Redskins.
Justin Herbert is in similar position as he entered Mobile as arguably the highest-ranked prospect at the event. During the first day of practice, he showed exactly why so many are excited about his future regardless of the mixed opinions surrounding his draft stock. Despite it being a windy afternoon at Ladd-Peebles Stadium, his velocity and accuracy never wavered.”
Justin Herbert owned the stage, but it was a small-school prospect, and an award winning center prospect who stole the show on the South team after Day 1 at the Senior Bowl: https://t.co/fuMa6Mtrh5
— Jordan Reid (@JReidNFL) January 22, 2020
For those who haven’t been able to hear much from Herbert this season. here is an interview he had with Daniel Jeremiah and Charles Davis following yesterday’s practice.
"It's an honor to be here and I wanted to compete."@oregonfootball QB Justin Herbert joined our crew from the @SeniorBowl to talk after his first practice pic.twitter.com/iG0L5jgaD6
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) January 22, 2020
Again, this is all pretty premature evaluating, but Herbert is checking all the boxes that he possibly can this early in the week. For those that have been uneasy about him being drafted by the Chargers, hopefully thishas calmed your nerves towards the idea of him being the potential heir to Rivers’ throne.