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2016 NFL Draft: 49ers Quarterback Big Board

By Jerod Brown

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage before the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2015; Fort Worth, TX, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass in the second quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Jared Goff-University of California-Berkeley

College Statistics

No surprise here, folks. I wish I could be original and avoid the groupthink but it’s becoming increasingly clear that Goff is the best quarterback in this draft class. Does that mean he’ll be the first quarterback selected in the 2016 NFL Draft? No. Teams might value another player more based on certain aspects to each player’s game. But as a total package, Goff is the most complete quarterback in this draft class.

Goff has operated in a system that has allowed him to identify coverage at the line of scrimmage, make calls or adjustments and lead an offense that highlights his skills.

Goff’s poise in the pocket is far and away the best in this class as he routinely stares at pressure and manages to deliver accurate passes.

Goff doesn’t have the strongest arm in this class but it is adequate in delivering the ball on time, an absolute must in Chip Kelly’s offense.

With very strong footwork and NFL-ready intelligence and leadership skills, Jared Goff has prepared himself to become the starting quarterback for a franchise soon. He’s a three-year starter for a major college program and has become an increasingly better player throughout his time in college.

He threw for 78 touchdowns and just 20 interceptions over the last two seasons with a completion percentage of 64.5 percent in his final year. Chip Kelly made Nick Foles and Sam Bradford decent quarterbacks, it is easy to assume he can drive Goff’s interception numbers even lower while turning him into the quarterback needed in San Francisco.

Goff’s size is the primary worry that teams will have. He’s considered too thin at 6’4″ and 215 pounds, and his hands barely meet the NFL threshold at just about nine inches. He’s spent time bulking up before the 2016 NFL Draft but teams will wonder whether his frame is maxed out and can withstand an entire season of NFL hits as a starting quarterback.

Despite the concerns, Goff has had an impressive run as a quarterback at Cal and he should certainly find himself selected in the first round of the draft.

Next: Setting The Board