Overview
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6’4″
Weight: 215 pounds
School: California Golden Bears
Combine Performance Data
40-yard dash: 4.82 seconds
Vertical jump: 27 inches
Broad jump: 9 feet, 2 inches
Three cone drill: 7.17 seconds
Jared Goff 2016 NFL Draft Profile
There might not be a more hyped offensive player in the lead up to this year’s draft than Jared Goff. It was no surprise then that he made his intentions to move up to the next level after the season he put together at Cal. The junior signal caller threw for 4,719 yards and 43 touchdowns, both of which were the third best totals in major college football. He also finished in the top ten nationally in total completions, attempts per game and passer rating.
It is said that having a good performance in your final collegiate game can do wonders for your draft stock. Goff certainly didn’t disappoint. Against Air Force in the Lockheed Martin Armed Forces Bowl, the Novata, CA native set school bowl records with 467 passing yards and six touchdowns in the 55-36 victory. He ended up finishing his college career as the Golden Bears’ all-time leading passer with 12,195 yards in just three seasons of play and set a total of 26 school records related to passing. His 96 total touchdowns are 32 more than the Kyle Boller, who’s currently second on the list in that category.
Strengths
- quick release with phenomenal mechanics.
- ability to make virtually every throw on the field.
- three-step drop and pass a sight to behold.
- prototypical NFL size from a height standpoint.
- finds receivers in stride, even on deep balls.
- highly accurate passer, especially when having to get the ball out while running.
- rushing stats don’t suggest mobility but can escape the pocket when need be.
- doesn’t just look for primary receiver; cycles through progressions well.
- college coach praised work ethic, an indispensable quality at NFL level.
- leadership qualities; was team captain at Cal for two of his three seasons as starter.
- high character
Weaknesses
- will need to bulk up to withstand enhanced physicality of an NFL season.
- footwork tends to get rushed under pressure.
- tendency to force the issue which led to turnovers against ball-hawking secondaries.
- won’t have the strongest arm in the draft.
- might have to deflect concerns about being a system quarterback.
NFL Comparison: Phillip Rivers
Teams with Need at Position: Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Houston Texans
Projection: Likely a top five pick; could be first overall if someone trades up.
Bottom Line
If you don’t have a quality starting quarterback in the NFL, you’re simply not going anywhere as a franchise. Goff could be the most pro-ready player among all the prospects at the position heading into this year’s draft. That confluence of those two factors means that there will be many a team looking to pick him when they’re on the clock.
The problem for most of them is that Goff will not be on the board very long. In fact, there certainly remains the possibility that he could hear his name called first if the Tennessee Titans decide to hear offers for that first overall pick. They’re certainly not in any need at the position, having drafted Marcus Mariota last year. However, you have to think teams desperate at quarterback might look to move up.
Either way, if you’re a Cal fan and looking to see what hat Goff gets to put on when he comes on stage, you better tune in early.
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