In Justin Herbert, the Los Angeles Chargers tout one of the strongest arms in the NFL.
Headed into his fourth season, Herbert, 25, looks to improve the Chargers from their 10-7 record last year.
Here's a closer look at one of the more exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL:
Where was Justin Herbert selected in the NFL Draft?
The Los Angeles Chargers tabbed Justin Herbert out of Oregon with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. There were two quarterbacks chosen ahead of Herbert: The Cincinnati Bengals took Joe Burrow at No. 1 and the Miami Dolphins selected Tua Tagovailoa fifth.
Herbert sets the NFL ablaze his rookie year
Instant impact — that's what Herbert delivered to the Chargers, not to mention the NFL during his rookie year in 2020. He completed 66.6 percent of his passes for 4,336 yards and 31 touchdowns — a rookie record.
The Chargers finished 7-9 but it was immediately clear that they had their franchise QB as he won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Establishing himself as one of the best QBs in football
Herbert followed up a sensational rookie season with an even stronger sophomore campaign in 2021. He led the Chargers to a 9-8 record, as they missed the postseason yet again, but not because of his production.
Herbert aired it out for 5,014 passing yards — second to only Tom Brady that year — and 38 touchdowns in establishing himself as an undeniably elite NFL quarterback and first-time Pro Bowl selection.
While the playoffs still evaded him ... it wouldn't prove to be for long.
Herbert leads Chargers to the playoffs
In his third NFL season, Herbert completed a career-high 68.2 percent of his passes for 4,739 yards, which were second to only Patrick Mahomes in 2022. He also tossed 25 touchdowns, which represented his career-low, though he was able to benefit from a more balanced squad, which made the playoffs for the first time with him in the pocket.
Herbert marched the Chargers to a 10-7 record — good for second place in the AFC West behind the eventual Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs.
However, their Wild Card Playoff appearance proved to be absolutely agonizing as the Chargers ran out to a 27-point lead only to cough it all up and lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars, 31-30, in one of the biggest collapses in NFL postseason history.
Nevertheless, it's a learning experience that Herbert will look to build on toward larger success as his bright career continues.