Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert impressing early on is encouraging

Even though he hasn’t been with the team for long, Justin Herbert is already impressing his coaches with the Los Angeles Chargers.

The Los Angeles Chargers haven’t been able to have a normal offseason yet due to the coronavirus, but they are still doing what they can to prepare for the regular season.

In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Chargers drafted who they hope will be their franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert with the sixth overall pick. Herbert has a lot of potential with his size and skills, but he will need some coaching if he wants to succeed at the next level.

Unfortunately for Herbert, he hasn’t been able to have a normal rookie offseason due to the coronavirus. However, he is making the best of the situation that everyone is dealing with and is already impressing his coach.

Recently, quarterbacks coach Alfonza “Pep” Hamilton Jr. praised Herbert and compared him to former Pro Bowler Vinny Testaverde. Here’s what he said via Jim Trotter of NFL.com.

"“We already know he can really throw the football,” Hamilton said, “I haven’t coached a quarterback that just had the natural release and spin on the ball that Justin has since Vinny Testaverde—a tall, linear guy, a long-levered guy who really just has a great release and can make all the throws.”"

For Herbert, being compared to Testaverde is some high praise, as he was able to have a very strong career. While Herbert might have been a bit of a reach for the Chargers with the sixth overall pick, you can tell he has all of the physical tools to be a good quarterback in the NFL.

While Herbert was an early pick by the Chargers, that doesn’t mean that they need to rush him on to the field. The Chargers have Tyrod Taylor ready to be the starter to begin the 2020 season, and as a pro with a good amount of starts, he can certainly keep the Chargers competitive.

Due to the tricky offseason, getting Herbert ready to start in Week 1 seems a bit unlikely. However, once the team can practice, Herbert seems like the kind of guy who is going to be working his butt off to get ready.

Even though it is early, it is good to see that the coaches like what they see from Herbert. Hopefully, he will be able to salvage the rookie offseason and get better and better.