Most people would expect a top 10 draft pick to be a Day 1 starter in the NFL, but the Chargers may choose to go a different route. After selecting Oregon QB Justin Herbert with the 6th overall pick, they still seem content to have Tyrod Taylor leading the way. The question is for how long?
The Chargers’ new Quarterback Coach, Pep Hamilton, recently stated that the rookie wouldn’t play until he is “acclimated to the speed of the NFL game.” Needless to say, football is perhaps the sport with the biggest jump in skill level from college to the pros. Sports like baseball and basketball are more skill reliant, but football demands a lot more out of a player’s body. Hamilton stated via the team’s official site that he believes staying an extra year at Oregon will help Herbert transition faster.
“He has over 1,200 pass attempts in college and you can’t teach experience. When it’s time for him to play once he’s acclimated to the speed of the NFL game and has a good understanding of what NFL defenses are trying to do, I think the sky’s the limit.”
The Chargers are definitely attempting to groom Herbert rather than throw him into the fire, and it should work out in their favor. With a capable veteran in Taylor and a playoff-caliber supporting cast, they have a rare luxury for a team with such a high draft pick. Judging by the team’s comments, they seem all but certain to start Taylor to begin the season. Depending on how well Taylor does with his opportunity, the team could give Herbert an entire season of learning without the pressure to perform. Should he falter, however, Pep Hamilton believes in the rookie’s ability to be ready from Day 1.
At the end of the day, Herbert is the future of the franchise and everyone knows it. His moment will come, but for now, it seems to be Taylor’s team to lead.
