Can the NFL club that drafts California quarterback Jared Goff expect a Matt Ryan-like pro career?
All sorts of factors, not the least of which are system fit, pass protection and surrounding offensive talent, can contribute to how a quarterback's NFL career arc tracks. But NFL Media analyst Daniel Jeremiah sees some similarities between the presumptive first-round pick and the Atlanta Falcons' veteran starter.
"You look at Matt Ryan, (he's) very, very tough inside the pocket. They're (both) not afraid to stare down a rush and deliver the football accurately, but also have enough athleticism and the quick feet to get outside, create and make some things happen," Jeremiah said on NFL Network's Path to the Draft. "Competitive, smart and tough. Those are the three words we described Matt Ryan with when he came out, and I would put the same three tags on Jared Goff."
Now, about that system fit thing.
Analyst Charley Casserly, the former Wasington Redskins and Houston Texans general manager, weighed in on how Goff might fit in the San Francisco 49ers' offense under new coach Chip Kelly.
"I think what Chip Kelly wants in a quarterback ... what I've been told is this: quick decision-making, and accuracy with the football. Quick-decision making? Give (Goff) a triple-plus there," Casserly said. "The ball comes out quick, good ability to go to the second receiver, exceptional vision downfield for a quarterback as far as reading things. Accuracy, I like him short to medium, but he's about a 50-50 guy when the ball is going deep. I've seen him good on the fade, good on the touch, and miss some balls (deep)."
Jeremiah projects Goff going to Kelly and the 49ers at No. 7 overall in his latest mock draft.
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