QB Expert Gives In-Depth Ranking of Justin Herbert’s Strengths and Weaknesses

If there is one thing Dan Orlovsky knows, it’s quarterbacking. The former six-year NFL signal-caller has been expertly breaking down QB play since joining ESPN over half a decade ago. In his recent article, Ranking NFL quarterbacks by trait , Orlovsky breaks down the top quarterbacks by arm strength, ball placement, mechanics, decision-making, pocket presence, rushing ability, and second reaction.

Here is how Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert faired in Orlovsky’s assessment of his traits;

A Trait By Trait Breakdown of Justin Herbert

Herbert’s Arm Strength: 3rd

1. Patrick Mahomes , Chiefs
2. Josh Allen , Bills
3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
4. Matthew Stafford , Rams
5. Aaron Rodgers , Jets

“The top three seemed obvious; Mahomes, Allen and Herbert can all deliver the ball with serious velocity. We know they each have the ability to find receivers on deep balls, but I also really love watching them effortlessly pump fastballs to the intermediate areas of the field. Herbert leads all QBs in tight-window completions (145) since being drafted in 2020, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

Herbert’s Ball Placement: Unranked

1. Joe Burrow , Bengals
2. Tua Tagovailoa , Dolphins
3. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
4. Matthew Stafford, Rams
5. C.J. Stroud , Texans
6. Brock Purdy , 49ers
7. Geno Smith , Seahawks
8. Dak Prescott , Cowboys
9. Jared Goff , Lions
10. Josh Allen, Bills

Herbert’s Mechanics: 3rd

1. Joe Burrow, Bengals
2. Matthew Stafford, Rams
3. Justin Herbert, Chargers
4. C.J. Stroud, Texans
5. Dak Prescott, Cowboys

Herbert’s Decision-making with the Football: Unranked

1. Aaron Rodgers, Jets
2. Matthew Stafford, Rams
3. Joe Burrow, Bengals
4. C.J. Stroud, Texans
5. Brock Purdy, 49ers
6. Jordan Love , Packers
7. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
8. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
9. Jared Goff, Lions
10. Kirk Cousins , Falcons

Orlovsky does give Herbert an honorable mention:

“The only other QB who was close to making this list is Herbert. He is pretty good about making smart throws, but I’d like to see him stretch out more and read the full field rather than be so quick with his decision-making.”

Herbert’s Pocket presence: Unranked

1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
2. Joe Burrow, Bengals
3. C.J. Stroud, Texans
4. Matthew Stafford, Rams
5. Lamar Jackson , Ravens
6. Brock Purdy, 49ers
7. Jordan Love, Packers
8. Josh Allen, Bills
9. Geno Smith, Seahawks
10. Dak Prescott, Cowboys

Herbert’s Rushing ability: Unranked

1. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
2. Josh Allen, Bills
3. Anthony Richardson , Colts
4. Jalen Hurts , Eagles
5. Justin Fields , Steelers
6. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
7. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
8. Joe Burrow, Bengals
9. Kyler Murray , Cardinals
10. Trevor Lawrence , Jaguars

Second-reaction ability: 10th

1. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
2. Josh Allen, Bills
3. Lamar Jackson, Ravens
4. Brock Purdy, 49ers
5. Jordan Love, Packers
6. Caleb Williams, Bears
7. Dak Prescott, Cowboys
8. Jalen Hurts, Eagles
9. Gardner Minshew , Raiders
10. Justin Herbert, Chargers

More must-reads:

• Despite No Catches, Brenden Rice Impresses in Chargers Preseason Debut
• Matthew Stafford Grades High In QB Expert’s New 7 Traits Rankings