If the quarterback position commands two of the top five picks in the 2016 NFL Draft, former Oakland Raiders scout Bruce Kebric has an idea of who might fit the suits: Cal quarterback Jared Goff and Memphis' Paxton Lynch. Kebric, who piled up 31 years of scouting service with the Raiders, told the San Jose Mercury News that Goff has the look of a top-five pick, but is his No. 2 QB prospect behind Lynch.
"I like Goff a lot," Kebric said. "Goff is probably the more accomplished passer right now, but Lynch is 6-foot-6 and a better pure athlete with a stronger arm."
Kebric isn't alone in his view of Lynch. Former Chicago Bears director of college scouting Greg Gabriel gathered some scouting feedback as well, and found a consensus view of Lynch as the better pro prospect than Goff. Lynch has led the Tigers (9-3) to the Dec. 30 Birmingham Bowl against Auburn with a career-best season, throwing 28 touchdown passes and just three interceptions. In drawing comparisons to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, Lynch assembled a streak of eight consecutive games this season with 300-plus passing yards.
Both juniors, the two have yet to announce whether they will apply for early draft eligibility. The deadline for college underclassmen to file for early eligibility is Jan. 18.
Goff is preparing to face Air Force in the Dec. 29 Armed Forces Bowl. He needs three touchdown passes to reach 40 on the season. Scouting opinions on Goff vary from high praise to a more cautious view, but they don't get much more complimentary than Kebric's. His ability to read defenses and sense the pass rush are two of Goff's biggest assets as a passer, along with a quick release. He also drew praise in the report from former Cal and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Steve Bartkowski.
"He's got a great future," said Bartkowski, 63, who spent 12 seasons in the NFL. "He's got a big enough arm to make all the throws, which is the No. 1 prerequisite for playing the pro game. I really like what I see."
Kebric does, as well. And within about three weeks, two of the college game's top prospects will announce whether 2016 is the right time to try to prove themselves at the next level.
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