LA Rams take Jared Goff of Cal with No. 1 pick in NFL Draft

CHICAGO -- The Rams went with the Califoia kid, Jared Goff.

Two weeks of speculation and intrigue ended Thursday, when the Rams selected Goff, a quarterback from Cal, with the first pick of the NFL draft. Now comes the interesting part.

The presumption is that Goff is ready to start in the NFL. That’s why the Rams gave a huge package of draft picks to Teessee this month in order to move up from No. 15 to No. 1. The Rams, in search of a full-time quarterback for the past three seasons, presumably have found him.

In the days leading up to the draft, the Rams spoke highly of both Goff and North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. No red flags popped up, and the Rams gave the impression they’d be happy with either guy.

• BONSIGNORE: Goff, Wentz linked by fate, bonded by friendship

Experience probably gave the edge to Goff. He played against a much higher level of competition than Wentz, who thrived at the FCS level. Goff, a well-regarded high school quarterback from Northe Califoia, absorbed some bruises at Cal, including a freshman season when the Bears went 1-11.

In that 2013 season, though, Goff set school single-season records for passing yards and passes attempted and completed. He broke those records in 2014 and 2015 and, as a senior, set Pac-12 Conference single-season records for passing yards (4,714) and touchdowns (43).

Goff declared for the NFL draft after his junior season and seemed likely to be a top-10 pick no matter what, but when the Rams and Philadelphia Eagles traded up into the top two spots, it became clear that Goff and Wentz would be the top two picks.

• VIDEO: Growing up Jared Goff

Goff, listed at 6-foot-4, 215 pounds, is considered to have solid arm strength and great footwork and pocket presence. He is the son of former Major League Baseball catcher Jerry Goff.

Goff, 21, is expected to join the Rams on May 6 for a three-day rookie camp. When he starts working with the full team, he will join an offense that includes a 1,000-yard rusher in Todd Gurley and a young, improving offensive line, but one that has questionable depth at receiver and tight end.

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