Justin Herbert is viewed in many circles as the third-best quarterback — in terms of talent — in the 2020 NFL draft. However, when other factors are included in the evaluation, the former Oregon Ducks’ star seems to have developed momentum ahead of the draft, which begins with the first round on Thursday.

The Cincinnati Bengals are expected to use the No. 1 pick to select former Louisiana State quarterback Joe Burrow. Whether the second quarterback selected is Herbert or former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is the big question. However, one anonymous NFL scout says Herbert, not Burrow or Tagovailoa, is the “safest QB” in the draft.

The scout cited concerns about Tagovailoa’s injury history. A different scout pointed to Burrow’s relative inexperience.

“All led their decision with the Alabama lefty’s medical concerns. Some acknowledged they had yet to fully process Tagovailoa’s recent individual workout or medical report on his surgically repaired hip,” the scout told theathletic.com. “While the rationale for this switcheroo primarily focuses on Tagovailoa’s lengthy injury history, Herbert’s high-floor, along with his arm talent, stands out. ‘The safest QB is Herbert. That includes Joe Burrow.’”

Tagovailoa suffered a serious hip dislocation in November, but multiple doctors have concluded Tagovailoa has fully recovered and is healthy. However, NFL teams have not been able to conduct their own evaluation after the NFL suspended in-person workouts and physicals because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Concerns about Tagovailoa go beyond the hip injury and into his overall injury history. He has had procedures on both ankles and he also suffered a wrist injury in the Spring of 2018.

Burrow posted one of the greatest seasons in college football history while leading the Tigers to the national championship. He threw for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdown passes in 2019. However, Burrow’s numbers in 2019 were far more than his three previous seasons — 3,181 yards 18 touchdown passes — combined.

“He ends up with a pro coach (Joe Brady) in a really good system with the best players. He’s a great processor and he is everything I’d want in a quarterback — if I took him in the second or third round,” one scout told nfl.com. “He’s not a natural thrower, can’t really pump it down the field. Now, he can throw it back-shoulder and uncovered and he’s got anticipation, but that ball’s wobbling. Love him, but I think he’s a high-risk guy at 1.‘”

Herbert is more experienced than Tagovailoa and Burrow. He consistently produced — 10,541 passing yards, 95 touchdown passes — during his four-year career. Perhaps that’s why at least one scout said he is a safe pick.