The 2020 NFL Draft is in the books, and here’s how the rookie class of quarterbacks rank based on their situation.
The 2020 NFL Draft went virtual this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, and the offseason will also be virtual until further notice. So rookie quarterbacks will be challenged to make a quick transition, with only mental reps to really get done right now.
Three quarterbacks went in the top-six this year. As was easily expected, Joe Burrow went No. 1 to the Cincinnati Bengals, Tua Tagovailoa went No. 5 to the Miami Dolphins and Justin Herbert went to the Los Angeles Chargers at No. 6. A fourth signal caller went in the opening round, as the Green Bay Packers moved up to No. 26 to take Jordan Love.
At the end of the three days, seven rounds and 255 picks, 10 quarterbacks were drafted this year.
Here’s how they rank based on the situation they’re coming into.
1. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Opinions on Herbert range from seeing his upside to focusing on his flaws, but he has landed in a very good situation. The Chargers don’t have to rush him into the lineup, with Tyrod Taylor in line to start, so he can learn an NFL offense and be ready to go if needed during the season.
The Chargers added pieces to what was already a top-tier defense this offseason, and the set of weapons around the quarterback is formidable. Left tackle was not addressed in the draft, but most of the prominent pieces of a team that went 12-4 in 2018 remain in place.
There’s a chance Herbert earns the starting job right away. But regardless, his situation stands above the rest in this year’s rookie quarterback class.