Chargers News: 2020 Re-Draft Finds Justin Herbert In A New Home

Where would LA's Pro Bowl QB be headed in this hypothetical?

Jan 9, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass for a two-point conversion while tackled by Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) during the second half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Herbert, the crown jewel of your Los Angeles Chargers' full team revamp following the end of the Philip Rivers era, has emerged as one of the best players in his 2020 NFL draft class.

The 6'6" quarterback was selected with the sixth pick out of the University of Oregon, and promptly voted as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year that season. He was a Pro Bowler in 2021, passing for 5,014 yards (7.5 yards per carry) on a 65.9% pass completion percentage. He also recorded 38 touchdowns. Herbert's output regressed somewhat this past season, but the team around him improved to a 10-7 record and its first postseason tenure under his stewardship.

It's widely agreed that he has one of the highest ceilings among this new crew of young QBs.

All this is to say, there's no way Herbert would have lasted long enough for the Chargers to draft him sixth in a re-draft -- although his draft in particular was hardly bereft of superstar quarterback talent.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report heartily concurs. Though then-Louisiana State University quarterback Joe Burrow, who already boasts one Super Bowl appearance plus a Pro Bowl during his three pro seasons, would still obviously be the Cincinnati Bengals' selection with the No. 1 pick. Knox believes that Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts, selected out of the University of Oklahoma with the 53rd overall draft pick in 2020, would be drafted second by the Washington Commanders in a re-draft. 

Herbert, thus, would be chosen third behind two of his fellow luminaries at his position. Knox postulates that the Detroit Lions, possessors of the third pick at the time (which they used on Ohio State University cornerback Jeff Okudah), would trade down, allowing the Miami Dolphins to move up for Herbert's draft rights.

Thankfully, that didn't happen, and Herbert has been able to do big things for the Bolts instead.