Ducks Digest

Ranking Justin Herbert: Top-Tier NFL Quarterbacks Entering 2024 Season

Former Oregon Duck football quarterback Justin Herbert is in the elite tier of NFL starting quarterbacks to start the 2024 season.

Bri Amaranthus

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
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Former Oregon Duck football quarterback Justin Herbert is in the elite tier of NFL starting quarterbacks to start the 2024 season.

The Los Angeles Chargers gun-slinger is ranked as the No. 5 best quarterback in the league, according to a new list by PFF. Ahead of Herbert in the player rankings is: No. 1 Patrick Mahomes, No. 2 Lamar Jackson, No. 3 Joe Burrow, No. 4 Josh Allen.

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws the ball during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Herbert is already off to a hot start to 2024, appearing fully recovered from the finger injury that prematurely ended his 2023 season. Herbert and Chargers' second-rounder rookie receiver Ladd McConkey are showing signs of exciting chemistry at L.A.'s organized team activities, according to reports.

A new era begins as Jim Harbaugh takes over as Chargers head coach.

"Justin Herbert, you see; he's a crown jewel in the National Football League," Harbaugh said when he got the job.

Herbert also got help via the NFL Draft, as the Chargers drafted the first offensive lineman off the board. With the No.5-overall pick, the Los Angeles Chargers selected offensive tackle Joe Alt. Alt, who is a massive 6-foot-9 and 321 pounds, will be a literally huge addition to help protect Herbert.

After missing the final four games of last season with the finger injury, Herbert finished his fourth season with 3,134 yards passing, 20 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Herbert had started 62 straight games, the second-longest active streak by a quarterback, behind only the Buffalo's Allen.

Adding to the Duck fun in L.A., former Oregon linebacker Troy Dye signed with the Chargers this offseason under new head coach Jim Harbaugh. 

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Bri Amaranthus
BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.

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