The Chargers took a chance on Justin Herbert in 2020, and it’s paid off in a big way. While others from that QB class face questions, Herbert has been steady and productive. Now, playoff success is the final step to cement the pick.
When the Los Angeles Chargers selected Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, it didn’t come with universal praise. At the time, plenty of analysts questioned whether Herbert had the aggressiveness or consistency to become a true franchise quarterback. Fast forward to today, and it’s safe to say the Chargers should feel very good about how that decision has played out.
Herbert didn’t ease into the league—he was thrown into action unexpectedly in Week 2 of his rookie season and never looked back. He went on to win Offensive Rookie of the Year while setting multiple rookie passing records, immediately changing the trajectory of the franchise.
What makes Herbert’s selection look even better is how the rest of that quarterback class has unfolded. Joe Burrow went No. 1 overall and, when healthy, has been outstanding. He led the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance early in his career. But injuries have been a recurring storyline, and availability matters when evaluating long-term stability at quarterback.
Then there’s Tua Tagovailoa, who many believed the Chargers might take instead. While Tua has had flashes—including a Pro Bowl season—his trajectory has taken a concerning turn. Recent reports suggest he could be headed toward a backup role after a rough 2025 season and declining performance. That alone makes the Herbert pick look like a clear win in hindsight.
Jalen Hurts presents a more complicated comparison. He reached the mountaintop, winning a Super Bowl and proving he can lead a team on the biggest stage. However, he’s also coming off a down year with growing questions about consistency and offensive direction. That volatility stands in contrast to Herbert, who has been one of the most steady high-level producers since entering the league.
And that consistency is really the key here. Herbert has quietly built one of the most impressive statistical resumes among his peers. He’s already surpassed 24,000 passing yards and 160 touchdowns while maintaining strong efficiency numbers. He’s durable, productive and rarely the reason the Chargers lose games. In a league where quarterback stability is everything, that’s invaluable.
Of course, there’s still one box left to check: playoff success.
Fair or not, quarterbacks are ultimately judged by what they do in January. Herbert has shown he can put up big numbers and carry an offense, but until the Chargers make a deep postseason run, there will always be that lingering “what if.” It’s the same conversation that once followed players like Burrow early in his career—until he broke through.
The reality is this: if Herbert starts stacking playoff wins, the conversation around the 2020 quarterback class could shift even more in his favor. You can already argue the Chargers got one of the safest and most reliable quarterbacks in the group. Add postseason success to that résumé, and it won’t just be a good pick—it could go down as one of the best decisions the franchise has made in decades.