PFF Mock Draft: Cleveland Browns select QB Jared Goff

Nov 21, 2015; Stanford, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball under pressure from Stanford Cardinal linebacker Peter Kalambayi (34) during the fourth quarter at Stanford Stadium. Stanford defeated California 35-22. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Pro Football Focus released its first mock draft of the season and they have the Cleveland Browns selecting Cal quarterback Jared Goff in the first round.

One of the biggest questions facing the Cleveland Browns this off-season will once again center around the quarterback position.

Has Johnny Manziel shown enough that the team can trust him in the starting role? If not, should they ride it out another year with Josh McCown or grab a quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft?

Pro Football Focus released its first mock draft of the year and for them the answer is clear: the Browns should select Cal quarterback Jared Goff with what will most likely be the No. 2 overall pick. The site writes that:

"Given the rocky start Johnny Manziel has had in Cleveland, the Browns may still be in the market for a quarterback this offseason — and in this scenario, they have the opportunity to take one at No. 2 overall. Goff is the best quarterback in a class that is deep but lacking in top-end talent. He made some poor decisions but continues to improve and is an effective downfield passer. He also performed well under pressure (+6.5 grade) and against the blitz (+13.0) — two good signs for his ability to translate to the NFL level."

More from Dawg Pound Daily

While selecting Goff over Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch could be open to debate for teams looking to draft a quarterback, the reasoning behind the Browns going back into the draft for a quarterback is sound, at least in the minds of PFF, when you consider that Manziel just had an historically horrible day against the Kansas City Chiefs.

In their weekly grades, PFF was not kind to Manziel:

"Manziel was good when he scrambled yesterday, but was bad when asked to actually throw the football. His -9.8 pass grade is one of the worst we’ve ever recorded. When the Chiefs didn’t blitz and Manziel was forced to throw into coverage, he completed just 39 percent of his passes and averaged a mere 4.4 yards per attempt. He also threw a terrible interception and had two more bad passes that should have been intercepted. He looked uncomfortable all game long, and yesterday was not a good day for those who believe he’s made any significant development as a quarterback."

Yikes! Hard to blame that one on head coach Mike Pettine.

As for Goff, he will definitely be in the conversation if the Browns decide the time is right to draft another quarterback. As this analysis from Monday Morning Quarterback shows, there is a lot to like about the 6-foot-4, 215-pound quarterback:

"But for high-level NFL quarterbacking, accuracy and arm strength are merely prerequisites; rarely are they alone difference-making elements. (Jay Cutler’s past coaches would solemnly agree.) A quality QB also needs to have a commanding feel for the pocket. Here Goff is very good. He consistently keeps his eyes downfield, never looking at the rush. You can call this another similarity to (Andrew) Luck. However, Goff is not quite as athletic as Luck, and it shows in how he moves within the pocket."

"Athleticism within the pocket, however, is not remotely as important as fundamentals. Goff checks all the boxes on this sheet. He steps and slides effortlessly behind his offensive line. His throwing mechanics do not waiver, regardless of how much movement precedes them. Because of this, Goff (who is right-handed) is also proficient throwing outside the pocket, be it moving to his left or right."

"What stood out most was how “on balance” Goff was in all facets. His effortless movement was backed by feet that were strong and solid but never heavy. When he was forced to throw off-balance and from weird platforms—something that happens regularly in the NFL—the sturdiness of his feet, and therefore the integrity of his mechanics, did not disappear. In fact, Goff often made subtle adjustments in these scenarios. This suggests that he can learn to throw from a crowded pocket—a challenge the NFL demands but Cal’s spread-oriented offense does not often present."

On the season, Goff has completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 4,247 yards, while throwing 37 touchdown passes and 13 interceptions (although five of those interceptions came in the game against Utah.) A three-year starter for the Bears, his numbers have gone up each season, which is nice to see.

Browns fans can get a look at Goff today when Cal takes on the Air Force Academy in the Armed Forces Bowl at 2 p.m. on ESPN.

Home/Browns News