Even without the benefit of traditional workouts and pro days, this year’s NFL Draft prospects have watched their stocks rise and fall with time. Or, at least, that’s the impression anonymous coaches and executives have leaked to the public, per the usual. Sure, the rumor mill is dizzying, but it’s good know that some things never change, even in the midst of global chaos. 
[RELATED: Dolphins Doing Lots Of Homework On Herbert]
One player who has seen his stock go up in recent weeks is Oregon’s Justin Herbert. In January, the top of the quarterback pecking order seemed pretty set – LSU touchdown machine Joe Burrow in the driver’s seat, then Alabama star Tua Tagovailoa, followed by Herbert and the rest. But, over the last couple of months, there’s been more and more noise about Herbert. And, with the draft just around the corner, it seems pretty likely that Herbert will hear his name called before the likes of Jordan Love (Utah State), Jake Fromm (Georgia), Jacob Eason (Washington).
In fact, he could even leapfrog Tagovailoa. The Dolphins seemed zeroed in on the 2018 Heisman runner-up – and they still could be – but many insiders are hearing that Herbert is the real target in South Beach. Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller, for example, estimates that 90% of his pre-draft intel points to Herbert being listed above Tagovailoa on Miami’s board. It’s easy to argue that Tagovailoa has more upside that Herbert, but Tagovailoa’s recent hip surgery can’t be ignored.
Other top teams have also done their homework on Herbert. The Lions, who own the No. 3 pick as of this writing, have Zoom-chatted with him (that either makes Herbert a potential replacement for Matthew Stafford or a useful bluff). The Chargers (No. 6) may also be a team to watch, since no one knows whether they’re truly committed to Tyrod Taylor under center.
Are the Dolphins really leaning towards Herbert over Tagovailoa? We won’t know for sure until Thursday. What we can say for sure – Herbert’s cannon and 6’6″ stature are both drool-worthy for NFL evaluators. He’s also drawn praise for his work ethic and there’s nothing scouts love more than a film junkie. On the flipside, Herbert has been knocked for holding on to the ball too long and missing out on open receivers. Even with his frame and arm strength, Herbert will have to straighten out his timing in order to succeed as a pro.
Profile: if he wasn’t 6’6 and was 6’1 he wouldn’t go until round 5 the earliest. Has bust written all over him next Paxton Lynch
just like how Kyler is too short?
Dude your one to talk Beas jackson ur qb has 1 year of solid production outside of that he is mike vick 2.0 with a completion percentage below 60%
Herbert is solid with 4 years of solid to great production and while increasing his tds will keeping his ints in check. Dunno what you are smoking
Dunno what the hell your first sentence means but the vast majority of college quarterbacks end up being trash in the NFL. Herbert reeks of bust.u
So a team should never draft one? Only way you are going to find a successful one is to do the homework and draft who you hope is.
At least his draft love and positioning I understand….Jordan love and Jalen Hurts I don’t get at all. (Neither should go before round 4 as long term projects.)
This is going to be a really wild draft, I believe. I’m not so sure these teams are as sold on Herbert, as maybe they’re a little scared of the unknown with Tua’s medicals. If Tua’s healthy, he’s got the most upside in the class. Again though, when you can’t see for yourself, you don’t know. So maybe some of these GMs are thinking, “I’d rather risk missing with the safer pick” than going with the unknown.
I think Herbert is going to be one of those QBs that’ll have his moments as a pro, but perennially lands you in that 7-9 to 9-7 finish range.
Blake Bortles, Ben Roethlisberger, Mason Rudolph are probably good college prospect comp.