There is something different about the way a Justin Herbert pass looks when it leaves his hands. It’s not just the way it cuts through the air or the precision with which it finds its target. Herbert’s passes aren’t just placed perfectly, they look perfect. When he’s in rhythm, few throw it better.
Herbert surprised scouts with his speed (4.68 40 yard dash) and athleticism (35.5 inch vert and 10 foot 3 broad jump) at this Spring’s NFL combine. And while leading a spread offense at Oregon, he showed his versatility. Versatility that allowed him to take home Senior Bowl MVP. In an effort to get him out of his comfort zone, the Bengals coaching staff placed him under center and asked him to do things that weren’t necessarily in his wheelhouse. He answered the bell time and again. And took home practice player of the week. Displaying the leadership qualities NFL teams look for in a franchise quarterback.
Since that strong showing, he has quietly gained steam within the Dolphins organization. According to the Miami Herald, the Dolphins started to shift some of their focus to Herbert, not Alabama QB Tua Tagoviloa, as has been speculated for months. A big part of that decision may revolve around the new offense Miami appears to be implementing.
Head coach Brian Flores raised plenty of eyebrows when he recently coaxed 68-year-old Chan Gailey out of retirement. The former NFL head coach last stalked a college sideline in 2007 when Gailey ran his spread offense at Georgia Tech. An offense that relied on athletes like Herbert who possesses a big arm and the athleticism to make plays off-script. Herbert produced the third highest grade on throws outside the numbers last year. And had no problem pushing the ball downfield. The Oregon product had the highest accurate pass rate of the 2020 draft class on passes 20+ yards downfield.
Ironically enough, one of Gailey’s previous stops includes a spot on Dave Wannstedt’s staff in Miami. Wannstedt recently levied his opinion on Gailey’s quarterback preference.
Chan wants to move the quarterback. He always has. He wants an athletic quarterback. So you have to take a look at that when you look at quarterbacks. – Dolphins Wire
But no matter where Justin Herbert plays in 2020 the leadership qualities displayed at the Senior Bowl, his drive and skill-set ensure that someone is getting a great player with a bright future. A future that could include South Beach.
