As NFL draft day looms and mock drafts go into overdrive, the focus will be on Jared Goff and Carson Wentz.
No system can ensure a draftees’ success in the pro-ranks and, the debate around top quarterback prospects Goff (University of California – Berkeley) and Wentz (North Dakota State) has been intense and driven the bulk of NFL draft commentary.
The decision lays at the hands of the Los Angeles Rams, a team that in recent times has produced solid first round picks. Finding a possible franchise quarterback will take it to a new level for a team trying to find its feet in a new city.
And, Goff is the ideal candidate to fit into a young, talented roster that will offer a rookie quarterback the platform to grow and prosper.
Thrown to the wolves early at Cal, in a struggling team with a 1-11 record in 2013, Goff showed incredible strength to lead the program to an 8-5 season in 2015.
At 21, Goff presents elite ball release and placement, along with impressive footwork, indicating he will be capable of making the transition to the next level.
Goff played in a ‘Bear Raid’ offensive system that might not compliment his move to pro-level football, but, his overall control and style will give the Rams enough confidence he’ll be a week one starter at Levi Stadium in mid September.
The 1.93cm Novato-born quarterback’s football smarts make him the strongest prospect in his class and the PR and marketing upside to Goff is the icing on top, with his California roots and what he achieved at Cal making him the ideal option to generate interest in the local market.
Wentz, 23, heads to draft day with an arm, size and run that ensures he has pro-level upside. Having played a system that will benefit his transition to the NFL, he is an attractive option for the Rams, but, losses out on pro-ready and off field appeal compared to Goff.
There are no certainties on NFL draft day and with the pressure of pick one after moving the Rams franchise back to the LA market, anything could unfold this week.
pete bloor
Guest
If they need to draft a Cal native for marketing purposes in their debut season in LA then they should have the franchise taken off them and have every person involved in the franchise down to the ball boys banned for life from the NFL for conduct detrimental to common sense.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
It's the NFL, no need to sign a player for marketing purposes
Anthony Wingard
Roar Rookie
If drafting Cal native Goff puts bums in seats in LA, the gamble could work for the short term... off the field.
pete bloor
Guest
I don't think it's over blown it just isn't a binary thing. You can learn it sure but learning that means your not learning other things, it creates a steeper developmental curve and so making him the week one starter isn't a recipe for success as he's highly unlikely to be ready to get the benefit of the experience in a pro game setting this season. Not saying he's a lock to fail just that he's more potential than proof. I just don't think he's the type of talent you'd normally want to be pick at the top end of the draft, which is why the rams have screwed this trade up
pete bloor
Guest
Which is why the Rams decision to massively over pay for the top pick is a head scratcher.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Ramsey, Buckner and Kelly are home run picks. Whoever gets Kelly will be getting a 10yr starter and multiple Pro Bowler
bear54
The Rams look like they will make Goff or Wentz their week 1 starter while the Eagles are giving off the vibe that they will let their guy learn behind an experienced player for a while. It will be interesting to see if these plans pan out AND if they can stick to the blueprint and not bench Goff after a few losses or thrust Wentz into the lineup because of a few losses? The rest of the draft has some interesting offerings with Tunsil (who was certain to be number 1 overall until about a week ago), Ramsey, Jack, Bosa and several D-linemen who we may not hear much about for 12-24 months. The concern is the limitations of O-linemen after Tunsil. The college system is not developing enough quality guards and tackles which could see defences dominating the sport even more in the next few seasons.
Tom Rock
Expert
I think the draft is a strong one, just not top heavy. As you say, not many blue chip talent demanding selection in the top 5. But the talent pool is deep, particularly on the defensive line. Plenty of quality can be found from picks 20-50.
Tom Rock
Expert
Totally different collage situations. Goff came into a Cal system which was unsuccessful, and he turned it around. Mariota played in a powerful Chip Kelly created offence with a much higher talent base. I think Goff has a good chance to be successful.
Sean Turner
Roar Guru
IMO this is the weakest draft overall in many years, not just at QB. Theres no one you can point at and say they're a home run pick, with the exception of Jaylon Smith prior to his injury. This is probably a good year to take a punt in all respects. Its likely Cleveland wouldn't have traded out of the number two pick if there had been anyone of a supreme character. Agreed on all points about Goff, certainly isn't in the same boat as Luck, Newton and co were when they were on the board. The best quarterbacks come from successful college teams, cant say that about Cal.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Mariota was also a Heisman winner that went 36-5 as a starter, and threw for 10,800 yards and 66.6%, and a passer rating of 171.8. He also had a 105-14 TD/INT ratio. He was under the microscope from his first start Goff went 14-23 as a starter, threw for 12,200 yards and 96 TD's ( and 30 INT's) and 62.3% in a pass heavy offense, and a rating of 139.8. He few 5 INT's in one game against Utah. UTAH! Mariota had far more success then Goff, so have every succesful QB drafted number one. They have paid a steep price. The guys who succeed at the next level dominate in college, despite what is around them. Have a look at what guys like Ben Roethlisberger and Eli Manning did in college. Goff hasn't come close to that. He may turn out to be a decent QB, but he is not #1 material, and definately not worth trading up for Wentz played FCS. People are pointing to Flacco and Romo as proof FCS QB's can succeed. Flacco was recruited by Pitt and moved down due to injuries and Romo went undrafted. Who was the best defense he succeded against? Has he ever read a complex defensive scheme? These 2 names are the result of NFL group think. Cleveland made the smart move
Anthony Wingard
Roar Rookie
I think having both Wentz and Goff in the conversation for the number one pick show the obvious high demand for quarterbacks in the NFL. Neither of the pair were of the same caliber of Winston or Mariota just one year ago in the college system. I prefer Goff over Wentz, but realise there will be big questions around both given their journey to the NFL.
Tom Rock
Expert
Mariota played in a shotgun offence in collage, yet he went alright last season for the Titans. I think that aspect is way overblown these days. It is something you can learn.
no one in particular
Roar Guru
Both Wentz and Goff will be busts. How many snaps did Goff take under centre at Cal?