California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff is considered one of the top two prospects at the position in the year's draft class, and he may have helped his case on Friday, as he impressed teams with his Pro Day workout completing 61 of 69 passes with two drops.
The California quarterback proved as best he could that weather won't play a factor of where he lands in the draft, and after throwing 69 passes was asked to pass another test in which Browns assistant offensive coach Pep Hamilton would douse the football in water before asking him to throw it. Goff would go on to complete all the wet footballs, except one, which was dropped by a receiver.
The Browns know how important their decision is with the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, and they are likely weighing every possible factor when making a decision between Goff and North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz. While Goff may be the smarter choice for the Browns organization, they could decide that Wentz is a rare talent that they don't want to miss out on.
Following his Pro Day, the California quarterback said that he'd "be more than happy to play anywhere." Goff is doing everything necessary to show teams that he is ready for the next level, and although he is open to playing for any franchise in 2016, one team clearly sticks out. The Golden Bears quarterback grew up a 49ers fan, being born and raised in the Bay Area, and could potentially make a strong fit with them as the seventh pick in the draft.
"I think it would be great," said Goff about the possibility of playing in San Francisco. "It would be a really cool thing. Growing up a fan of them, it would be awesome." The 49ers have reportedly been searching for a trade partner for quarterback Colin Kaepernick, but they are not opposed to keeping him if they don't receive what they believe is a valid trade offer.
Multiple mock drafts have landed the coveted California quarterback with his hometown team, but it may be hard for San Francisco's front office to take a quarterback in the first round, especially when Kaepernick is expected to make $11.9 million next season. While many 49ers fans may be excited to see Kaepernick in head coach Chip Kelly's offensive system next season, Goff is too great a prospect to pass up on.
Goff has drawn comparisons with Falcons franchise quarterback Matt Ryan and has received high praise from both scouts and draft analysts. "The statement I'm going to make to you guys, and you can tell whether you agree or not, is I'm at the point now with both Wentz and Goff where I think they're every bit as good, it not better than Winston and Mariota from a year ago as prospects," said NFL draft analyst Mike Mayock during coverage of Goff's Pro Day.
Both Marcus Mariota and Jameis Winston were the first two picks in the 2015 NFL Draft, and the statement shows how highly regarded these two prospects are. It's unknown if Goff will slide to San Francisco with the seventh pick, but if Goff is still on board, the highly coveted quarterback could end up playing for the team that he grew up cheering for.
