What You Need to Know:

-- Herbert became the first true freshman QB to start any games at Oregon in 33 years.

-- He finished behind only Marcus Mariota in career passing yards and passing TDs.

-- History says the rookie will start for the Chargers this season.

-- Herbert can run more than his college numbers suggest.

The Coach Loves Him

Chargers HC Anthony Lynn told Jim Rome after drafting Herbert, “There’s nothing not to like about this young man.” Lynn cited performance and production in multiple situations, but also Herbert’s leadership. Some questioned that aspect leading up to the draft, because Herbert isn’t as vocal as some other QBs. But Lynn doesn’t appear concerned. And his GM agrees.

"He's a big, fast, dual-threat quarterback with plenty of room to grow," Tom Telesco told ESPN. "We really love his quarterback potential, his quarterback makeup, his leadership skills, his toughness, his mental toughness, being able to handle adversity."

Herbert’s college profile is easy to love. In 2016, he became the 1st Oregon QB to start as a true freshman since 1983. (And even Chris Miller in 1983 saw only minimal duty -- 41 pass attempts.) As a sophomore, Herbert delivered the 4th-best passing-efficiency rating in the country -- though he didn’t officially qualify because he lost the final 5 games to a broken clavicle. For his career, Herbert finished 2nd only to Marcus Mariota in all-time passing yards and passing TDs for the Ducks. (And he might have fared even better if not for lackluster skill-position talent around him.)

The “dual-threat” label from Telesco should be particularly exciting for fantasy owners. Herbert didn’t produce big rushing numbers at Oregon. He topped out at 183 yards as a sophomore and finished his career with just 50 ground yards as a senior. Part of that comes from college stats subtracting sack yards from a QB’s rushing. Another part: His coaches simp…