The Pewter Plank
FanSided

2016 NFL Mock Draft Version 2.0: Free Agency Week Edition

By David Harrison

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 33
Next
Oct 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball against the Oregon Ducks in the fourth quarter at Levi
Oct 24, 2014; Santa Clara, CA, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws the ball against the Oregon Ducks in the fourth quarter at Levi /

. QB. Cal. Jared Goff. 7. player. 42

During the combine, Mike Mayock of NFL Network stated that while Carson Wentz out of North Dakota State is his favorite quarterback in this year’s draft, Jared Goff from Cal is the most NFL-ready of the group.

I agree with his statement about Goff, and the 49ers should too.  Colin Kaepernick is a trade, release, or tantrum away from being a memory for San Francisco, and they need his replacement.  Goff isn’t as athletic as Kaepernick, but he’s a winner who has the arm strength and accuracy to succeed in Kelly’s wide-open offensive scheme.

If Carlos Hyde can return from injury ready to play, then Goff could benefit from a resurgent running back much like Jameis Winston did in Tampa Bay.

While no one should be predicting 4,000 passing yards for the Golden Bears’ gunslinger, it’s not outside the realm of possibility the team could put together a few more wins than the 2015 version, and set themselves up for success in the future.

The key will be to keep Goff healthy as his physique doesn’t lend a lot of confidence to his durability, but there are more players to be had later in the draft who can provide the protection needed for a rookie starter.

Goff won’t instantly make the 49ers a competitor again, but he could be a building block to reviving football in the bay, and reviving Chip Kelly’s coaching career.

Previously:  Laquon Treadwell – WR – Ole Miss

Next: 8. Miami Dolphins

Home/Bucs Draft