Is Justin Herbert the QB Lions Really Should Target?

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert is a polarizing player in this year's NFL Draft

John Maakaron | Feb 3, 2020

While many Detroit fans and draft pundits alike have been focusing their attention on Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, there is another quarterback the Lions may need to spend some time researching.

His name: Justin Herbert.

The Oregon quarterback is very polarizing among NFL talent evaluators.

According to some draft analysts, Herbert has more upside than both Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow -- the consensus No. 1 pick and Heisman winner from LSU.

On the flip side, there are some evaluators that do not feel that Herbert will progress to the level of a productive starting passer in the NFL.

According to Pro Football Network:

"He has astounding athleticism for a 6-foot-6, 225-pound quarterback, and while he doesn’t indulge in that athleticism as much as other quarterbacks, it allows him to be a threat on the ground, as well as in the pocket, where he does well to evade imminent pressure and keep his eyes downfield while navigating lanes.

Herbert’s arm is just as, if not more impressive, than his athletic ability. His ability to generate explosive velocity with an eased, loose throwing motion is nearly unrivaled in the class. His release is a bit winding and not as compact as one would like, but he compensates with a torrid throw every time. He’s fairly consistent with RAC placement in the short ranges, and he can deliver lasers down the field, especially up the seam."

There are also some major question marks regarding his ability to consistently make touch throws and to maintain his fundamentals while under distress.

Despite all of the flaws, though, there is still no question that Herbert has the skill set to start at the next level and possesses enough upside to potentially develop into the best passer of the QB-rich 2020 class.

Your move, Bob Quinn.

Matt Patricia Has Spoken to Calvin Johnson on Several Occasions

Better Fit: Okudah or Simmons?

Published Feb 3, 2020

JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!