ESPN continued its position rankings in recent days, with a trio of Chargers making various lists.
Justin Herbert, who could be a bonafide superstar by the end of the 2022 season, was ranked as the No. 7 quarterback in the NFL.
The rankings were compiled by Jeremy Fowler, who spoke with 50 coaches, players, scouts and front office executives.
While the Chargers young quarterback received plenty of praise, some thought he should be even higher on the list.
In December, when Herbert rolled deep to his right and calmly heaved a deep ball that traveled 61.2 air yards (per NFL Next Gen Stats) across the field for a Jalen Guyton touchdown against the Bengals, I texted a screenshot of the play to a high-ranking NFL source.
“You’ll become less and less surprised as the game goes,” the source said. “He’ll be the best QB in the game.”
The following week, Herbert rolled out to his right and made perhaps the play of the year, throwing the ball 63.8 air yards — via NFL Next Gen Stats tracking — while being tackled from behind to hit Guyton in stride for a score against the Giants.
Winning helps in the voting, which explains Herbert’s standing. The two quarterbacks ahead of him are coming off the Super Bowl, while Herbert’s Chargers fell short of the playoffs. But he probably won’t be outside the top five for long. Consider that his 65.6 QBR last season was No. 3 in the NFL, behind only Rodgers and Brady.
“When you’re that talented physically and you’re smart, it’s mind-boggling,” a longtime NFL coordinator said. “Adding his strength and power, he’s hard to tackle, all of that; and he’s seeing things for another season so will have a better understanding.”
Since entering the league in 2020, Herbert has the second-most completions (839) and attempts (1,267), along with the third-most passing yards (9350). He also ranks fifth in passing touchdowns (69), and his 25 completions gaining 40 or more yards trail only Stafford.
“Passing on him is going to haunt [the Dolphins] for a long…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at News…