An anonymous NFL coach described Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert as, 'like a bigger Aaron Rodgers'

Justin Herbert's physical gifts have garnered him the label of looking like the, "prototypical" modern quarterback. 

The 6-foot-6, 236-pound third-year quarterback for the Los Angeles Chargers has turned heads ever since being drafted No. 6 overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. But does he have the career trajectory of a legendary quarterback like Aaron Rodgers? 

The Athletic recently put together a quarterback tier ranking for the upcoming 2022 season, and the young quarterback from Oregon found himself ranked in the top tier alongside elite signal-callers like Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Josh Allen.

There is a chance that in time, though, Herbert finds himself atop a rankings article like that one in the future. At least, that is according to one anonymous NFL source.

“I think he’s the next guy, he is on his way, because the thing with him is, he’s not quite the passer, but he’s kind of like a bigger version of Aaron Rodgers,” another voter said. “When we played them, I was like, ‘Damn, I didn’t know this dude could move that well or he was this accurate.’ Five, six, seven years down the road, I think Mahomes, Josh Allen and Justin Herbert will be the guys we’re talking about, the big three.”

Rodgers is no small quarterback, but at 6-foot-2, 225-pounds, he appears to be small for the position compared to Herbert. 

It is worth noting that Rodgers was undeniably great in his second season as a starter (2010). He threw for 30 touchdowns compared to just 7 interceptions for the Packers. Rodgers then went on to win the Super Bowl the very next season.

Compare that to Herbert's second season as a starter, 2022, when he threw for 38 touchdowns, but 15 interceptions.

The touchdowns are there. The arm talent and ability to make big plays are there. If he can cut down on the interceptions in year three, perhaps Herbert will find himself on a Rodgers-like trajectory. With Herbert's impressive start and seemingly still-untapped potential, a great career is certainly possible.

“Man, I was so impressed with him live,” an offensive coach said. “He has a chance to do something special."