Buccaneers seemingly scouting Oregon QB Justin Herbert

As the season progresses and with Jameis Winston on pace for his worst year as a professional, the Buccaneers were spotted scouting Justin Herbert.

As the inconsistencies that quarterback Jameis Winston continue for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it would appear that they are doing their due diligence on draft eligible quarterbacks. This time, the Bucs were spotted at the Oregon vs. Colorado over the weekend, presumably to watch the Ducks’ signal caller Justin Herbert.

Herbert would have been the best quarterback in the 2018 NFL Draft had he come out, but decided to stay at Oregon for his senior season and finish his degree. Entering this season as this writer’s top quarterback in the class, Herbert has done nothing to hurt his stock, but also nothing to help it.

As quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow (a guy head coach Bruce Arians has his eye on) have risen to the top of the class at this point, Herbert remains in the conversation as the top quarterback by the time April rolls around. A polished passer, Herbert would probably take the shortest amount of time to transition from the college level to the NFL.

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It is wise for the Buccaneers to do their due diligence, even if they decide to stick with Winston, as he has not shown signs of consistency or growth in his fifth year in the league. Winston has analytically been an average quarterback through the first four years of his career, and is on pace for his worst season yet as a pro.

Thus far through his senior season, the 6-6 and 235 pound Herbert is on pace for his best season yet, completing nearly 70 percent of his passes with a touchdown to interception ratio of 17:1. If the Buccaneers see the need for a changing of the guards at the quarterback position without having to complete a total rebuild, Herbert would be their guy as he is the most pro ready.

It is still only October, but it would appear the Buccaneers are doing their due diligence at the quarterback position in preparations for the 2020 NFL Draft. Justin Herbert looks to be in the sights of the pewter and red and remains something to monitor as the season progresses.