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2016 NFL Draft: 49ers’ Big Board for Quarterbacks

By Bryan Knowles

Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. California won 55-36. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. California won 55-36. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. California won 55-36. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates with his teammates after defeating the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. California won 55-36. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

First Rounders

These two quarterbacks are likely to go early—there’s even an outside chance that both will be gone by the time the 49ers pick at number seven. They’re the most likely to be ready to start from day one, and have the strongest chance of being long-term NFL starters.

Jared Goff, California

Jared Goff is the most prototypical quarterback in this year’s draft.  At 6’4” and 215 pounds, he has the ideal size you want. His throws come out with great velocity and accuracy—though he does go through cold streaks where he’s prone to overthrowing players. He’s not a scrambler, but he has very good pocket mobility, stepping up when he senses pressure and either running out of trouble or extending the play to complete passes.

He also has the on-field character and leadership qualities you’re looking for in a player. A three-year starter at Cal, Goff set conference records and led Cal to their first bowl win since 2008. He needs to be more consistent, avoiding those accuracy and decision-making lapses that seem to plague him every so often, but he looks to be the most complete and NFL-ready quarterback in the draft. He’s not an Andrew Luck-type prospect, but he’s the top prospect in the draft this year.

Carson Wentz, North Dakota State

That is, unless the top prospect is actually Wentz from tiny North Dakota State. If anything, Wentz has the more-prototypical measurable at 6’5” and 232 pounds. His arm strength isn’t as sharp as Goff’s, but his accuracy is beyond dispute. He can pick apart zones, with accuracy on all depths of passes. He also has plus athleticism—he’s no Cam Newton, but he can move the chains when needed as a runner, as well as finding space in the pocket when the blitz occurs.

Wentz’s big strike, of course, is the level of competition he faced at FCS North Dakota State. It’s a lower level of competition, meaning there will be a massive adjustment going to an NFL-level of speed. Yes, he played at the powerhouse of FCS, winner of five consecutive FCS titles, but it’s a major step from there to the NFL. How quickly he adapts—and if he can adapt—will play major roles in his development. Goff’s a safer pick, but Wentz may well end up with the greater career.

Next: Late First-Round, Early Second-Round Picks