The NFL is bursting with young quarterback talent, and one name that consistently stands out is Justin Herbert. Since entering the league, Herbert has proven he's much more than just a first-round pick. His ability to put up jaw-dropping stats while leading the Los Angeles Chargers has fueled debates around his rank among the rising stars of the game. How does he stack up against other young guns like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence? Let's take a closer look at Herbert's performance, compare him to his peers, and analyze both stats and skills to get the full picture.
Justin Herbert's Career Overview
Since being selected sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Justin Herbert's career has been nothing short of spectacular. Stepping in as a rookie, he quickly showed the league why he belonged, breaking records and earning the Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2020. Known for his accuracy, deep throws, and calm demeanor under pressure, Herbert has cemented himself as the Chargers' franchise quarterback.
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| Exciting football game with young athletes in action on the field at an outdoor stadium. |
Photo by Sean P. Twomey
Statistical Performance
Herbert has consistently put up big numbers since taking over as the Chargers’ starter. Here’s a breakdown of some of his key stats:
- Passing Yards: Over 14,000 yards in his first three seasons, averaging over 4,500 yards per year. This ranks among the best starts in NFL history.
- Touchdowns: 94 passing touchdowns by the end of his third season, showcasing his efficiency in the red zone.
- Completion Percentage: Herbert has maintained a completion rate above 66% throughout his career, illustrating his accuracy under all conditions.
Skills and Attributes
Herbert's skillset is versatile and complete. His arm strength allows him to throw deep with ease, while his precision ensures those throws are catchable. He’s also deceptively mobile, often evading pressure to extend plays or gain critical first downs. Moreover, his decision-making and ability to read defenses have consistently improved season by season, showcasing his high football IQ.
Comparing Other Young Quarterbacks
The NFL has no shortage of young talent competing with Herbert, making comparisons inevitable. Leaders like Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa, and Trevor Lawrence each bring their unique skillsets to the field. Here's how they stack up against Herbert.
Joe Burrow's Achievements
Joe Burrow, drafted just one spot ahead of Herbert, has made a massive impact since joining the Cincinnati Bengals. Burrow’s defining moment so far has been taking the Bengals to the Super Bowl in just his second season.
What stands out about Burrow? His precision and poise in high-pressure situations are unmatched. While his numbers—11,774 passing yards and 82 touchdowns in his first three seasons—are slightly behind Herbert’s, Burrow’s ability to lead his team to postseason success gives him an edge in clutch moments.
Tua Tagovailoa's Performance
Tua Tagovailoa, like Herbert, was selected in the first round of the 2020 draft. While the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback had a somewhat slower start, 2022 and beyond has seen Tua finding his rhythm.
What separates Tua from his peers is his lightning-quick release and pinpoint accuracy on short and intermediate throws. Statistically, his numbers (around 65% completion rate and 52 touchdowns through 2024) may not leap off the page like Herbert’s, but his situational awareness and efficiency have proven critical for Miami’s success.
Trevor Lawrence's Development
Trevor Lawrence, the top overall pick in 2021, entered the league with great expectations. While his rookie year was turbulent, Lawrence rebounded in his sophomore season, showcasing why he was touted as a generational talent.
Lawrence’s development stands out in his improved accuracy and decision-making under new coaching. By the end of his second season, he had logged 7,754 passing yards and 37 touchdowns, making him a strong contender to compete with Herbert in the years to come.
Statistical Comparisons
Numbers can often reduce these debates into clear snapshots. Below, we break down several key metrics side-by-side:
Passing Yards and Touchdowns
| Quarterback | Passing Yards (First 3 Seasons) | Touchdowns (First 3 Seasons) |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | 14,089 | 94 |
| Joe Burrow | 11,774 | 82 |
| Tua Tagovailoa | 9,531 | 52 |
| Trevor Lawrence | 7,754 | 37 |
Quarterback Rating and Completion Percentage
| Quarterback | QB Rating (Career Avg.) | Completion Percentage (Career Avg.) |
|---|---|---|
| Justin Herbert | 98.7 | 66.8% |
| Joe Burrow | 100.4 | 68.2% |
| Tua Tagovailoa | 94.3 | 65% |
| Trevor Lawrence | 89.6 | 62.9% |
Conclusion
All four quarterbacks are incredible talents with bright futures ahead. That said, Herbert stands out as a complete quarterback with the stats and skills to back up his claim as one of the NFL’s top young players. His numbers speak for themselves, but his ability to perform under pressure and deliver in big moments only adds to his standing.
Where does Herbert rank among these young stars? That depends on what you value most—consistency, postseason success, or raw potential. Either way, it’s an exciting time to be an NFL fan with so much next-generation talent taking the stage. Who do you think will dominate the next decade? Let us know in the comments!