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Justin Herbert NFL Draft Destinations

By Steven Kubitza

Oregon Ducks QB Justin Herbert is a likely early first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft
Oregon Ducks QB Justin Herbert is a likely early first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft / Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa are the two quarterbacks drawing the most attention of the 2020 NFL Draft. But Oregon's Justin Herbert is right up there with both players as a top quarterback prospect.

The 6-foot-6 Herbert has the prototypical size and mobility NFL teams love and he could be off the board in the first 10 picks. These four teams are most likely to take him early in the first round.

4. Carolina Panthers

Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's health remains in question.
Carolina Panthers QB Cam Newton's health remains in question. / Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

The Carolina Panthers have a new coach in Matt Rhule and face a huge decision in regards to what to do with Cam Newton. If he is let go, Herbert should be a top option for the team. Kyle Allen faded fast and the Panthers need a new franchise quarterback. Even if Newton stays, the team can draft Herbert as a top backup and future leader of the franchise. Though taking a lineman may be the best option if Newton does stay.

3. Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions QB Matt Stafford dealt with injuries in 2019.
Detroit Lions QB Matt Stafford dealt with injuries in 2019. / Leon Halip/Getty Images

Matt Stafford only appeared in eight games for Detroit in 2019. He dealt with a serious back injury and the Lions suffered as a result. The team could now look to grab Herbert with the No. 3 overall pick to make him the quarterback of the future, or even trade back and try to select him a bit later. Stafford is under contract through 2022, though he has an out clause after 2020. Drafting Herbert could push the veteran out after a tenure in Detroit that hasn't result in postseason success.

2. Miami Dolphins

Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick could mentor Justin Herbert in 2020.
Miami Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick could mentor Justin Herbert in 2020. / Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

The Miami Dolphins need a quarterback and have been heavily linked to Tagovailoa. However, the team may rethink that decision given his injury history. Herbert could be on the board at No. 5 overall and he would be a safer choice for the Dolphins. Ryan Fitzpatrick is already there to start and Herbert would not be rushed into action. The team wanted to tank for a quarterback and Herbert could be an attractive choice.

1. Los Angeles Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers have seemingly moved on from QB Philip Rivers.
The Los Angeles Chargers have seemingly moved on from QB Philip Rivers. / David Eulitt/Getty Images

A new era appears to be beginning for the Chargers now that Philip Rivers is likely playing elsewhere in 2020. The team can make a splash by drafting Herbert and not missing any time in bringing in a new franchise quarterback. Tyrod Taylor can start in the meantime and Herbert can develop behind the veteran, or LA could be bold and see what the former Oregon Duck can do as a starter from Week 1. The Chargers own the No. 6 overall pick, and can't pass up on the chance to add a new quarterback if the Rivers era is truly closing.