The NFL draft for 2016 has a deep class of players at the quarterback position with names like Jared Goff, Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook, Carson Wentz, Cardale Jones, Christian Hackenberg and Cody Kessler likely heading to the league.
Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns could be interested in taking a QB this year and those names are potential targets. The position is very deep in the 2016 class and past those names players like Dak Prescott, Jake Coker, Kevin Hogan, Nate Sudfeld, Jacoby Brissett, Jeff Driskel, Vernon Adams and Brandon Allen also could be options for teams.
Goff is considered to be the top overall prospect coming out of Cal and many draft scouts think he could be the first quarterback off the board. The Titians have the number one overall pick in the draft, but after taking Marcus Mariota last season, it's unlikely they go for another QB. The Browns are in prime position to take one, as the future for Johnny Manziel is looking unclear after some of his antics this season.
The Cowboys saw Tony Romo go down with an injury and while he will be the starter for the near future, the team likely will want a backup to develop to take over when Romo is done (or injured again). The 49ers have Colin Kaepernick but his future is up in the air after a down season, while the Eagles have Sam Bradford hitting free agency and will have a new coach taking over for Chip Kelly.
Here is a look at some of the top QB prospects:
Jared Goff, California
Goff comes in after a great season with Cal, throwing for 4719 yards with 43 touchdowns and just 13 interceptions. Goff is considered to be the top prospect among QBs and could be the first off the board this year in the 2016 draft.
Paxton Lynch, Memphis
Lynch has been getting strong reviews from scouts and he comes out after throwing for 3778 yards and 28 touchdowns this season for Memphis. Lynch has rushed for 17 career touchdowns and has great sixe for his position. Lynch may need to develop a bit more as a passer, but he has mobility in the pocket and is an accurate QB.
Connor Cook, Michigan State
Cook has had a winning career at Michigan State and he comes out after throwing for 71 touchdowns during his career and over 9000 yards. Cook dealt with an injury this season, but it was not serious and it should not be an issue as he heads into the draft.
Christian Hackenberg, Penn State
Hackenberg has declared for the draft and while he doesn't have the eye popping stats that some of the other QBs have, Hackenberg has the size and arm strength to be an NFL quarterback. This season Hackenberg had 2525 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and just six interceptions and he leaves Penn State after throwing for over 8000 yards and 48 touchdowns.
