Watching Justin Herbert is a memorable experience, even for opposing quarterbacks. Carson Strong’s second Nevada start took place in Eugene on Sept. 7, 2019. Two years later, Strong still marvels at Herbert’s physical tools.
“I remember going, ‘Oh my god. He’s got it. He’s just got it,’” Strong told 247Sports this summer. “You know he’s got the X-factor kind of deal. You can just tell.”
Even if he didn’t show it that day with an 89-yard, two-interception effort, Strong has it, too. In fact, there’s a chance Strong ends up as the Herbert of the 2022 NFL Draft class. Both quarterbacks have prototypical size (Herbert is 6-foot-6, 237 pounds while Strong is 6-foot-4, 215 pounds) and great to elite arm strength. And while you may not be familiar with Strong, he enters his fourth college season as a projected first-round pick, just like Herbert in 2019.
“He has the potential to be the No. 1 quarterback drafted,” The Draft Scout and ESPN’s Matt Miller told 247Sports. “If we’re sitting here in April and he’s QB1, I’m not going to be shocked at all.” Sure enough, CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson has Strong at No. 1 overall — to the Texans — in his latest 2022 mock draft.
