With the 2015 NFL Draft now in the books, it is time for many to turn to things such as OTA’s and rookie training camp, while others can look towards the 2016 NFL Draft.
One name that many fans will become familiar with is Cal junior quarterback, Jared Goff.
Goff, a 20-year-old 6’4 210-pounder from Novato, California, broke 15 school records in passing for single-season passing yards (3,973), passing touchdowns (35) with only seven interceptions, per Cal’s official website. Goff would go on to post a 147.59 passer efficiency rating, the fourth-best single season mark in school history.
Goff set freshman school records in yards passing (3,508), passes completed (320) and passes attempted (531) en route to becoming the first-ever true freshman to start an entire season in Berkeley, per Calbears.com.
In showing a steady improvement in touchdowns (18 to 35), completion percentage (60.3 to 62.1), yards per attempt (6.61 to 7.81) and passer rating (123.2 to 147.6), Goff has a chance to be a potential NFL franchise signal-caller.
With no more Marcus Mariota to contend with, Goff has a chance to dominate PAC-12 defenses in 2015.
While it may be premature, but Goff—thanks to his similar build, mobility and offensive prowess—is beginning to draw comparison to former Golden Bears alum in two-time NFL MVP and Super Bowl champion, Aaron Rodgers.
With teams in 2016 such as the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets, Houston Texans, Denver Broncos and possibly the San Diego Chargers in the market for a QB, it is not outside the realm of possibility of Goff being the top overall pick—and the first quarterback taken—in the 2016 NFL Draft.
While other prospects such as Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg, Ohio State’s Cardale Jones, Michigan State’s Connor Cook and Cincinnati’s Gunner Kiel all have similar abilities as Goff, the Golden Bear possesses all the traits of a NFL signal-caller in displaying pin-point accuracy, mobility and anticipation of his passes.
Is Goff the next Rodgers? Possibly, but hopefully—unlike him—he doesn’t unexpectedly fall like his more decorated predecessor.