The top 10 QBs for the 2016 NFL draft: Jared Goff ahead of Carson Wentz – Washington Post
California quarterback Jared Goff passes during his pro day. (AP Photo/Ben Margot)
Standing at his assigned podium at the NFL Scouting Combine, Cal quarterback Jared Goff couldn’t have looked more uncomfortable. He wasn’t rude or standoff-ish to the assembled media; it was just highly evident he had other things on his mind than talking about small hands and fumbles. As such, he couldn’t have been more pleased to have that session end.
When he laced up the spikes and started slinging the rock all over Lucas Oil Stadium, that’s when the familiar Goff arrived. Simply put, Goff’s arm talks a pretty good game.
Slant route. On time, zipped for a completion. Then, two more just like it.
Curl route. On time, zipped for a completion. Then, two more just like it.
Nine route. On time, on target, again complete. Then, two more just like it.
There’s little question he aced that part of his job interview, building of his three strong years as the starting quarterback at Cal.
[Why the Titans should take DeForest Buckner No. 1]
He arrived at a time when Cal football was at one of its lowest points in history. In his third and final year, he led the Bears to their first bowl game since 2011 and first bowl win since 2008. Consequently, he sits atop my ranking of the draft’s top 10 quarterbacks, just a bit ahead of North Dakota State star Carson Wentz.
What separates the two young signal callers? Goff’s ability to make that throw. Which specifically? The one he made against Utah down the sideline against press man for a touchdown. That throw he made against Air Force on the post route for a touchdown. That throw he made repeatedly on the Lucas Oil turf over and again in February.
“That” throw is the one an NFL talent evaluator sees and knows a player can perform at the next level. Goff’s passing acumen is at an NFL-level today and continued growth over the next few years should make one of the 32 teams awfully happy for a bright future.
The top 10 QBs for 2016
1. Jared Goff, Cal
Projected: 1st round
See above.
2. Carson Wentz, North Dakota State
Projected: 1st round
Wentz possesses a combination of size and athleticism that aren’t often found at this position. He’s going to have to adapt to smaller passing windows, but he’s got a quick release that’ll help him in the future.
3. Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Projected: 1st round
Similar to Wentz, he’s more agile and mobile than a 6-foot-7 quarterback is supposed to be and made a number of plays with his legs throughout his college career. He has one of the strongest arms in this quarterback class but he’ll need to improve his decision-making and against pressure.
[A trade for Titans’ No. 1 pick likely revolves around top QBs]
4. Connor Cook, Michigan State
Projected: 2nd round
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Cook get attention at the back end of the first round, but he’s a second-rounder. He struggled with a shoulder injury and poor decision-making throughout his senior campaign, which impacted his overall draft value.
5. Dak Prescott, Mississippi State
Projected: 3rd round
Prescott possesses every characteristic an NFL team wants in its signal callers, but he doesn’t perfectly fit the part. He’s shorter than most in this group. His throwing motion is a bit unique. His best asset might be his running ability. But, he might be the one guy teams want under center leading their offense in crunch time.
[Mock Draft: A post-free agency first-round projection]
6. Cardale Jones, Ohio State
Projected: 3rd round/4th round
Had Jones entered last year’s draft, he would’ve been the third quarterback selected after a three-game run to the 2014 national championship. Then, he decided to return and that was the start of the roller coaster for Jones in 2015. That said, the tools are outstanding but Jones has to learn how to utilize them properly.
7. Jeff Driskel, Louisiana Tech
Projected: 4th round
When he left Florida for La. Tech, many thought he’d finish up his career with no true NFL future. But, with the Florida offensive shackles off for good, Driskel flashed his big arm and improved accuracy in La. Tech’s pass heavy scheme. He solidified his standing with his performance at the Senior Bowl in front of the league’s most important decision makers.
8. Jacoby Brissett, North Carolina State
Projected: 4th round/5th round
Similar to Driskel, Brissett started at Florida but as Driskel was named the starter after their freshman season, Brissett left for an opportunity at N.C. State. He didn’t have much help alongside him, so he didn’t post gargantuan numbers. However, throughout his career, he proved he has NFL size, arm strength and overall skills.
9. Brandon Allen, Arkansas
Projected: 4th round/5th round
Halfway through the 2014 season, it wasn’t clear that Allen would ever become an asset for the Arkansas offense. Quite frankly, he was just the guy who handed off to two All-SEC running backs. But, he closed the 2014 season with five touchdowns and no picks in his final three games. He built off of that in 2015, completing 65.9 percent of his passes, 30 TDs and only eight interceptions. He can spin it and has one of the strongest arms in this quarterback class, although he’s only 6-1, 213 pounds. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if he’s drafted before Driskel, Brissett or even Jones.
T10. Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
Projected: 5th round
There’s no questioning his physical tools. He has plus-arm strength. He has prototype size. He’s tough and intelligent. Then, why is he tied for 10th? Those tools never came together. His decision-making was impacted by the beatings he took behind a porous offensive line. He went from flourishing in Bill O’Brien’s pro passing attack as a freshman to floundering in a spread offense over his past two seasons. Regardless, it’s more maddening watching him, especially in 2015, than any other quarterback in this class.
[Kevin Hogan may be a late-round gem]
T10. Kevin Hogan, Stanford
Projected: 5th round
Similar to Prescott, Hogan possesses all the intangible characteristics that NFL teams crave from the quarterback position, however, his long arm motion has always been an impediment. Over the past year though, he’s grown on NFL scouts and high level personnel. He’s going to need to learn how to quicken his release against more advanced defenses and NFL coverages. But, if the game can eventually slow down for him, he might surprise in the future.
