Raiders: 3 possible replacements for Derek Carr in the offseason
By Allen Settle
3. Justin Herbert
There are currently three quarterbacks projected to be selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. The top two options, Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow and National Champion Tua Tagovailoa, are projected to go off the board within the first four picks.
While the Raiders do have a notable amount of draft capital, it’s probably safe to assume that the team would be unwilling to pay the king’s ransom necessary to move into a position to select either player.
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This leaves Justin Herbert as the only logical solution remaining in the first round.
Herbert has the size (6-foot-6, 237 pounds) and physical ability to be a great long-term option for Gruden and the Raiders. While he does have some consistency concerns, Herbert seems to be destined for a selection within the top 10 picks.
This section of the draft would be much more manageable for the Raiders to trade into.
The Oregon Ducks star dominated the Pac-12 during his four seasons at the school. He has complied 95 passing touchdowns and thrown just 22 interceptions while completing 63.9 percent of his throws at the collegiate level.
While Herbert lacks the ability to be a serious rushing threat at the next level, his arm strength, size, and overall athleticism give him a great chance to develop into a prototypical pocket passer in the NFL.