2016 NFL Draft Profile: QB Jared Goff

In this 2016 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths and weaknesses of quarterback Jared Goff out of California.

Goff is one player that many teams are fighting for because he is very skilled and shows plenty of potential that could help any team from the start. In his three years in college, he developed his game and has the skill-set to be a very successful NFL quarterback. He is the type of quarterback you would want on your team for the leadership and composure he brings. He has impressive stats this past year as he completed 64.5% of his passes and threw 43 touchdown passes.

Compared to other quarterbacks, Goff is very athletic as he is able to keep his feet active to extend plays. He also has been able to develop a quick and fundamental style of release that NFL teams truly appreciate. From last year’s rookie quarterbacks to this year’s, Goff has the ability to accurately throw the ball into catchable location targets for his wide receivers.

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

STRENGTHS

Goff has the ideal stature in the pocket that is able to see everything developing while everything is breaking down. Some players have trouble going through their progressions but he has improved that a lot because of how quick he is on the ground. What is also impressive is his ability to touch drop the ball in the bucket over defenders so they wont be able to make the play. When the pocket is collapsing, he has great pocket presence and moves around very well to avoid it.

He has plenty of arm strength to be able to stretch the field to get his receivers open to make plays. When he has to make a pass between 10 to 20 yards he has a very strong zip on the ball so his receivers are able to grab it before a defender is able to make a play on it. When he has to move outside the pocket and is on the move, he has very good accuracy and is able to keep his upper body on point. What most NFL franchises like about Goff is he is able to sit in the pocket and take a hit which most quarterbacks hate and just throw the ball away.

WEAKNESSES

The ball location can be a problem, the passes are accurate enough to hit his target but they aren’t the ideal spot, which makes his receivers have to work a bit harder to ensure a reception.

Sometimes with his throws, receivers have to make adjustments at tough times that could get them hurt. He has good velocity as his throws tend to go too far that can dip significantly that force the receivers to come back.

When he is under pressure, he has a tendency to throw passes off his back foot. Sometimes he rushes his throws and has them sail just a bit. He also tries to predetermine his throws during his pre-snap count which can sometimes throw off his timing.

He struggles when he is playing in a spread offense and isn’t able to control himself in making decisions. He also has trouble taking snaps from the shotgun position as he will need to learn and develop his game from under center. With Goff playing in a spread offense, it creates a lot of big windows and first read throws which means inflated stats that might not translate well into the NFL.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

More jets: 2016 NFL Draft Profile: WR Laquon Treadwell

Goff will be drafted in the first round (No. 1-6 pick) and could possibly be the very first quarterback taken in this year’s draft.