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Los Angeles Rams Select QB Jared Goff: Instant Analysis

By Dan Schmelzer

Nov 28, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates after a two point conversion against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) celebrates after a two point conversion against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams selected quarterback Jared Goff on Thursday night. How successful is Goff going to be in the NFL, and how does he fit in with the Rams?

Make no mistake about it, the Los Angeles Rams gave up a haul to trade in to the first overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. Their first-round pick swap with the Tennessee Titans could have a negative long-term impact on the franchise. However, if Jared Goff becomes a high-level NFL starting quarterback, none of that will matter.

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Led by a strong defense and the best young running back in the NFL, the Rams entered this off season with a team nearly ready to compete. However, their lack of talent at the quarterback position has continued to hold them back. Case Keenum showed some upside at the position last year, but he was clearly not the answer long-term.

Feeling that they were only a quarterback away, the Rams made the massive trade up and got their guy in Goff.

With fantastic pocket awareness, a lightning quick release and pin-point accuracy, Goff has the ability to be an immediate contributor at the quarterback position in the NFL. Some in the draft industry rip Goff for his lack of mobility or unproven ability to read opposing defenses, but Goff has a relatively safe floor at the next level.

Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff works out during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 27, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff works out during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Playing in a fast-paced system at Cal, Goff was not typically asked to go through his progressions in the passing game. In Sonny Dykes’ offense at Cal, Goff was commonly making quick and decisive decisions at the snap of the ball. He was allowed to read through his progressions and make plays downfield at times, and he did well when asked to do so.

Goff is not the most pro-ready quarterback to enter the NFL in recent history, but he is the one best-suited for success right away in the NFL in this draft class. With a roster ready to compete now, and an immediate hole at the most important position on the field, Goff was the most sensible selection for the Rams.

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While their pass protection is a bit shaky and their options in the receiving game are limited, Los Angeles is a nice situation for Goff to land in. Todd Gurley is going to be the focal point of the Rams’ offense. As long as Goff can hand the ball off to Gurley and not turn it over too often, the Rams’ offense is likely to be successful.

Also, their offensive core is extremely young, especially now. Goff can come in and grow with this offense, and the Rams can look to add him more weapons later in the draft.

Considering what they gave up, I still question the move to come all the way up from 15 to 1 by the Rams. That being said, Goff is a talented quarterback who has a relatively safe floor and some nice upside at the next level. If he can become a true franchise quarterback in the NFL, nothing else matters.

More nfl spin zone: Re-Picking the 2014 NFL Draft

Before, the Rams were seemingly a quarterback away, and now they have their guy. Postseason success could quickly be on the horizon.

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