Chargers' Justin Herbert placed high among NFL personnel's QB rankings

Meanwhile, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert landed at No. 5—one spot ahead of Philadelphia's Jalen Hurts and a two-spot improvement from last year. 

Last season, Herbert played through a fractured rib cartilage injury he suffered in Week 2 against the Chiefs. Injuries along the offensive and in the receiving corps contributed to him being the second-most pressured quarterback in the NFL. A poor running game led to L.A.'s inability to close out the Jaguars in a wild-card loss in which the Chargers led in the first half, 27-0.

That context, as well as career lows in touchdown passes (25) and yards per attempt (6.8), evidently did not deter those polled from remaining high on Herbert's undeniable talent. But if L.A. doesn't start winning playoff games, five may be as high as Herbert gets on this annual poll. Herbert is 0-1 in the playoffs in three seasons in the league.

One NFC scout told Fowler, "Herbert is at that hump where they need him to win now. He's got everything you need, a fantastic player, but now it's time to make that jump. The offense put so much on him that it's hard for him."

With the additions of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, rookie first-round receiver Quentin Johnston, the health of the roster and head coach Brandon Staley's defensive program entering year three, there's every reason to believe the Chargers will see playoff success in 2023.