The NFL draft is deep with quarterbacks this year and names like Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, Paxton Lynch, Connor Cook and Christian Hackenberg could be targets for teams like the Dallas Cowboys, LA Rams, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans and Philadelphia Eagles.
The quarterback class this year is going to be picked apart and evaluated quite a bit over the coming months and as things starts off, many scouts see Jared Goff as the top quarterback in the group. Mel Kiper at ESPN and CBS Sports have Goff going as the first quarterback to the Browns at number two in their early mock drafts and that could end up coming to pass once the draft happens. Goff put up big numbers at Cal and is considered to be an "NFL-ready prospect."
The Browns pick at number two and the consensus among many around the NFL is that the team will target a quarterback. There are a number of teams that will be looking to upgrade at the position this offseason, including the Dallas Cowboys, LA Rams, Cleveland Browns, Houston Texans, 49ers and potentially the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys want to upgrade at the backup position behind Romo and the team has the chance to draft a quarterback at the number four selection this year.
The injuries to Romo showed a glaring need for an upgrade and the team could consider Goff, Wentz or Lynch if they don't add someone in free agency. Reports have the team considering Robert Griffin or Johnny Manziel if they become available. The Browns likely will take someone in the draft, but the team also could consider Sam Bradford as a free agent. The Eagles will try and bring back Bradford most likely, while teams like the 49ers, Texans and Browns also could be interested.
The Eagles could look at drafting a quarterback if it looks like Bradford will not return, as Doug Pederson has the chance to take over and develop a player on the roster after coming in for Chip Kelly. The Texans used four starters last season and want more consistency at the position, while the Rams got very little production from Case Keenum and Nick Foles. The Rams are moving to Los Angeles and the team could be interested in drafting a quarterback to be the new face of the franchise along with Todd Gurley.
The class has some strong names this year, as Goff comes in with an NFL arm and the stats to back him up as a top pick. Goff threw for 4714 yards last season and 43 touchdowns and he put together 96 TDs and over 12,000 passing yards in three seasons at Cal. Cook has one of the best records as a starter in college football over the past four years and he comes in after throwing for 70 touchdowns in the past three seasons with Michigan State. Lynch and Wentz have a bit more to prove based on where they went to school, but both players are considered to be strong prospects at the position as well.
