The Chargers have parted ways with Philip Rivers after having him as their quarterback for 14 seasons.
They hope they acquired their next long-term starter at the position Thursday when they drafted Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick.
Coming out of Oregon, Herbert is expected to sit behind Tyrod Taylor to start the 2020 season and be given an opportunity to learn the position at the NFL level. The Chargers were linked with Herbert for the past several weeks, a team in need of a future quarterback logically connected to one who is athletic and 6-foot-6, 236 pounds.
In four years in the Pac-12, Herbert played 43 games and threw nearly 1,300 passes. As a senior, he passed for 3,417 yards with 32 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading the Ducks to a 12-2 record.
The biggest questions surrounding Herbert involve his leadership ability and anticipation on certain throws.
The Chargers also had been linked to former Alabama star Tua Tagovailoa, who is coming back from a season-ending hip injury. He instead was drafted at No. 5 by Miami.
With Tagovailoa off the board, the Chargers were able to pick the quarterback with the cleaner health record.
Justin Herbert, quarterback
6-feet-6, 236 pounds, Oregon, Round 1, Pick 6
Notable: Herbert flashed his considerable athletic skills at the NFL combine when he ran a 4.68-second 40-yard dash, third among quarterbacks despite his size. He tied for second at his position with a vertical jump of 35.5 inches.
Last season: Herbert passed for 3,417 yards, with 32 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading the Ducks to a 12-2 record, Pac-12 title and Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin.
Why Chargers drafted him: After 14 years of Philip Rivers as their starter, the Chargers decided this offseason to move on at quarterback. They have veteran Tyrod Taylor as their projected Week 1 starter in 2020 but are looking for a potential long-term solution at the position.
