It has to absolutely suck to lose Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and Mike Williams all at the same time. Also, at the same time, you need to adjust to a new coaching staff and another new offense. This is the third straight season that Justin Herbert is going to have to learn a new offense, but one thing is for sure: new head coach Jim Harbaugh absolutely loves him.
Even though he doesn't have that star power at the wide receiver position, that doesn't mean he doesn't still have some good weapons at his disposal. Guys like Josh Palmer—we've seen him produce before. How about Quentin Johnston coming into his second year? It has to get better, right? Then they just drafted Ladd McConkey to play in the slot, which is going to be great for Justin Herbert if Ladd can stay healthy. They also brought in DJ Chark, and then they drafted Jerry Rice's son, Brenden Rice, who could definitely be a surprise to a lot of people this year.
Now, everyone expects Harbaugh to be some hard-nosed run offense that doesn't throw the ball down the field. While they still may run quite a bit, you don't have Justin Herbert and not throw the football. In the NFL, if you want to win, you have to throw to win.
Now, Herbert is more than capable of putting up big numbers. His weapons are sufficient. The ceiling may just be a little bit lower than it has been in the past, but top 12 overall at the position is still very much in play at a decent price this year.
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