2016 NFL Draft: Predicting Homes For Top 5 Quarterbacks

Barring a dramatic change in the next couple months, the outlook of the quarterback class in the 2016 NFL draft is set.  It’s merely a matter of figuring out who among them will go first.  A better question fans are asking is where they’ll end up.  Several teams could be looking to add one in the first two rounds.  Based on estimates and best fits, here are some predictions as to where each of the top five names on the board will end up.

Jared Goff (Cal)

Drafting team:  Cleveland Browns

Even with two months still to go, this connection is looking more and more like a lock.  Jared Goff is the most pro-ready quarterback in the 2016 class.  His accuracy at all levels of the field coupled with solid production and good arm strength make him the total package of what the Cleveland Browns need in order to end the Johnny Manziel experiment.  They hold the #2 overall pick and the Tennessee Titans aren’t going to draft one at #1.  So barring an unlikely trade by another team, Goff to the Browns looks inevitable.

Carson Wentz (North Dakota State)

Drafting team:  Philadelphia Eagles

Every year there is a quarterback that seems to emerge out of nowhere to jumble up the 1^st round pecking order.  This time it’s Carson Wentz.  Though he comes out of an FCS school, that school has won five-straight national titles.  Wentz was the starter for the past two.  Combine that with his 6’6” frame, strong arm and good mobility and it’s not a hard sell for teams eyeing up the position.

Since Sam Bradford could be gone, the Philadelphia Eagles will have to replace him  New head coach Don Pederson is an offensive guy who understands the importance of the position.  Whether Wentz lasts to #13 or the Eagles have to go up and get him is the unanswered question.

Paxton Lynch (Memphis)

Drafting team:  Los Angeles Rams

He’s 6’7”, can run, fires the ball with velocity and seems to command the pocket well.  Paxton Lynch put together some good performances in 2015, which is why his stock shot skyward.  Though its cooled some since then, expectations are he’ll still go in the 1^st round and the Los Angeles Rams have to be that team.  Jeff Fisher has exhausted every avenue of acquiring a quarterback besides taking one in top 32 picks.  Nick Foles and Case Keenum aren’t the answer.  If he doesn’t do it here, he’ll lose his job.

Connor Cook (Michigan State)

Drafting team:  Arizona Cardinals

Scouts often warn that experience and productivity in college don’t always equal success in the NFL.  They’re right.  Talent must be present too, and Connor Cook has enough talent to win in the pros.  He has good size, extensive knowledge of a pro-style offense, a strong arm and a reputation for late-game magic.  The sticking point for many is a growing stigma that he was never voted team captain, calling into question his ability as a leader.

This sounds like the kind of challenge Bruce Arians enjoys.  He prefers bigger quarterbacks who have the arm to push it down the field.  Carson Palmer will be 37 this season, so the Arizona Cardinals must start thinking about a youth movement at the position.  Cook would be able to run their offense.

Christian Hackenberg (Penn State)

Drafting team:  Houston Texans

It’s just too easy a fit to ignore.  Christian Hackenberg was recruited to play at Penn State by then-head coach Bill O’Brien.  Their only year together showed tons of promise, but didn’t last.  O’Brien left to become head coach of the Houston Texans, leaving Hackenberg to wade through some tough years of poor coaching.  It’s a testament to his mental fortitude and sheer physical talent that he’s still considered a top 100 pick.  Now O’Brien and the Texans are desperate for quarterback help.  It would be so fitting were those two to reunite.