The Los Angeles Chargers selected Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert with the No. 6 pick in the 2020 NFL draft on Thursday.
Herbert is expected to become the Bolts’ future franchise quarterback following the departure of veteran Philip Rivers, who signed with the Indianapolis Colts in free agency after 16 seasons with the Chargers.
Herbert, who turned 22 last month, will battle nine-year veteran Tyrod Taylor for the starting role. Chargers coach Anthony Lynn said last month that Taylor was “in the driver’s seat” to start, but that a final decision would not be made until training camp.
Burrow told ESPN’s Suzy Kolber after he was selected that he was excited to get started with his new team.
“I’m going to do my best to be the best quarterback I can be,” Burrows said. “I’m going to get on it as soon as I can, get the offense down, and continue to work hard. Whether it’s in Los Angeles or Eugene I’m going to continue to work hard and do my best.”
The 6-foot-6, 236-pound Herbert was the third quarterback selected in the draft. The Cincinnati Bengals selected Louisiana quarterback Joe Burrow with the No. 1 overall pick and the Miami Dolphins went with Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 5 selection.
Herbert is considered a well-rounded quarterback with excellent arm strength and agility outside of the pocket. He also is a proven winner. Despite being projected as a first-round pick as a junior, Herbert returned to Oregon for his final season of eligibility and led the Ducks to victories in the Pac-12 Championship game and Rose Bowl.
Between the 2018 and 2019 season, Herbert’s completion percentage jumped from 59 to 67 percent, the sixth-largest increase in the FBS. His yards per attempt also climbed from 7.8 to 8.1, and he went from throwing 29 touchdown passes to 32, while his interceptions dropped from 8 to 6.
Herbert finished his senior season with 3,471 passing yards (third best in the Pac 12) and 32 passing touchdowns (second best), capping it by being named offensive MVP of the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day.
During the scouting process for the draft, Herbert was named the MVP at the Senior Bowl, where he impressed scouts with his demeanor in practices. Known to be introverted, his performance in Mobile helped ease concerns about his ability as a leader.
With the Chargers, Herbert joins a team that is hungry to rebound from a disappointing 5-11 season that amounted to a last-place finish in the AFC West.
He also arrives as the Chargers complete the relocation process to L.A. After playing three seasons inside their temporary home at Dignity Health Sports Park, the Chargers are scheduled to play 2020 at SoFi Stadium.
Herbert joins an offense that is expected to benefit from a bolstered offensive line after adding right guard Trai Turner via a trade and right tackle Bryan Bulaga in free agency. The Chargers also placed the franchise tag on tight end Hunter Henry at the price of $10.6 million and re-signed breakout running back Austin Ekeler to a four-year, $24.5 million contract.
With six remaining picks in the draft, the Chargers are expected to add depth at receiver, linebacker and on the offensive line.
Information from ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe was used in this report.