The Scouting Combine gets underway next week, kicking off the pre-draft evaluation process for all 32 teams.
Given the importance of quarterbacks to success in the NFL, the top players at that position will get close scrutiny from any team in need of one. That group is made up of Cal’s Jared Goff, North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz and Memphis’ Paxton Lynch right now and Goff explained to Peter King of TheMMQB.com why he thinks he’s the right choice for a team looking for a long-term solution.
“I think my accuracy is as good as it gets at this level,” Goff said. “I think my pocket presence and my ability to extend plays speak for themselves. I’m confident I’ll be the best quarterback in the draft.”
Goff is working with former Cardinals and Colts quarterback Ryan Lindley as he prepares for the combine, where he said he plans to take part in all of the drills. Any team taking Goff will hope that his talent proves more formidable than what Lindley’s displayed during his time in the league and that will be especially true if the Browns, who pick second, decide to hitch Goff to new coach Hue Jackson. The Browns don’t have the best history with drafting quarterbacks, but Goff says he’s not intimidated by the possibility of being the next would-be answer to the team’s prayers.
“I’m not worried about it,” Goff said. “I’m excited about it. Whatever team I go to, I’ll be excited to go. I want to be the future of a franchise. I think I can be a guy who can make an impact right away.”
The Browns could use such a guy, which should make all three of the quarterbacks of great interest to Cleveland over the coming weeks.