NFL

Jared Goff: Meet the LA Rams' Newest Star Quarterback

Meet the Los Angeles Rams' No. 1 overall draft pick and LA's newest star, quarterback, Jared Goff.

"With the First pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Los Angeles Rams select… Jared Goff, California."

And with those words a star was born.

Jared Goff was selected by the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Goff is a 21-year-old junior out of the University of California Berkeley. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches and 210 pounds, Goff is NFL ready and projects to be the Rams starter on Opening Day.

Goff's intangibles go beyond his physical ability. The younger passer can read defenses like a librarian reads books and his check down progressions are a thing of beauty.

"I think it's 49 touchdowns and two picks," Los Angeles Rams General Manager Les Snead said of his redzone numbers at a post draft press conference. "It's impressive."

Goff also had the advantage over No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz out of North Dakota State. According to ESPN Stats and Information, Goff had a higher accuracy percentage, completed 60 percent of his deep balls on 3rd / 4th and long, was better under pressure, better against the blitz, and more efficient in the red zone than Wentz.

"We had both Jared and Carson in and spent a lot of time with both of them," Rams' Head Coach Jeff Fisher said. "We came away knowing both would be extraordinary quarterbacks in this league, but we feel like Jared's our guy."

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Goff and Wentz have no hard feelings as both highly touted quarterbacks spoke after they went No. 1 and 2 respectively, at the NFL Draft headquarters in Chicago, IL on Thursday.

"I talked to him after he got picked and I got picked," Goff said. "We said congrats to each other and we're going to keep in touch."

Goff went 1-11 in his rookie season at Cal and has a record of 14-23 in his collegiate career. That mark, is the worst winning percentage by a starting quarterback taken No. 1 overall in the history of the NFL Draft. Despite the ugly record, Goff believes he's a better player for having gone through it.

"I'm happy I went through it. I carry it with me forever," he said. "A lot of character that year, maturity, perseverance and resiliency. It's something that I believe will help me down the line."

For those that don't know, Goff is a California kid born in Novato on October 14, 1994. He attended Kentfield Marin Catholic High School where he threw for 7,687 yards on the varsity team over three seasons. He led his school to three NCS playoff appearances, three MCAL championships, and the state title game before deciding to stay in Northern California and attend Cal Berkeley. 

Goff grew up a fan of the Bay Area teams including the Golden State Warriors, San Francisco Giants, and the 49ers (the Rams Opening Day opponent on Monday Night Football). Members of the media reminded Goff of the fact that he has publicly criticized LA stars Kobe Bryant and Yasiel Puig in the past.

"Yes, I am." Goff said when asked about it. "I wear No. 16 because of Joe Montanta and grew up a Niners and Giants fan."

When asked if he would consider changing allegiance to the Dodgers or another LA sports team, Goff was slightly open-minded. "We'll see." He simply said.

For now, fans in LA will have a new favorite son to root for on Sundays, one whose head coach believes is going to be very, very special.

"Jared has a skill set that is special," Fisher said. "He sees the field, has a quick release, he understands the quarterback position, he's going to get rid of the football and is extremely competitive. He's really exciting." 

Just how exciting Goff will be, time will tell, but for now, he's just happy to be staying in California where he can be close to his family.

"It's very special," Goff added of staying in Cali. "It's a very special thing for me and my family."

Goff will be in Downtown Los Angeles Friday afternoon where he will be introduced to the media at 2:30PM PST. NBC LA will bring you all the coverage live.

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