Meet the Prospects: Goff, Wentz headline intriguing QB class

Get to know all the top prospects for the 2016 NFL Draft, most of whom will be taking the field at the NFL Scouting Combine on Feb. 23-29 in Indianapolis.

Top Prospects by Position

Quarterbacks

Jared Goff, California

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 210 lbs.
Age: 21

2015 stats: 4,719 passing yards, 43 TDs, 13 INTs

Goff started as a freshman in 2013 and built a three-year resume that makes him a likely top 10 pick in April's draft. Though Goff's stats were inflated by Cal's offensive scheme, which is heavy on short and easy passes, few scouts question Goff's arm strength and there is optimism about his ability to develop NFL-caliber field vision.

Carson Wentz, North Dakota State

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 233 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 1,651 passing yards, 17 TDs, 4 INTs

Despite playing against subpar competition in the FCS, Wentz established himself as a likely first-round pick. The fifth-year senior and two-year starter has a strong arm, adequate mobility, and experience running a pro-style offense. He has a chance to be the first quarterback off the board.

Paxton Lynch, Memphis

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 230 lbs.
Age: 21

2015 stats: 3,776 passing yards, 28 TDs, 4 INTs

Lynch ticks off many boxes in terms of size and athleticism, but lacks the consistency scouts value. His footwork and field vision often appear lacking, which in turn leads to problems with accuracy. Football IQ is a concern, too, and the prevailing belief is Lynch will need time on the sideline to develop.

Christian Hackenberg, Penn State

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 236 lbs.
Age: 20

2015 stats: 2,525 passing yards, 16 TDs, 6 INTs

Once considered a possibility for the first overall pick, Hackenberg struggled after the arrival of head coach James Franklin, with whom Hackenberg is rumored to have feuded. Accuracy and decision-making are two areas where Hackenberg needs considerable improvement, but he has the raw tools to develop into a strong pro starter if he winds up in a good system and gets help from his surrounding talent.

Connor Cook, Michigan State

Height: 6'4"
Weight: 220 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 3,131 passing yards, 24 TDs, 7 INTs

No on doubts Cook has the measurables to find success at the next level, but concern about his maturity and leadership is widespread. For Cook, the pre-draft process might be as much about convincing teams his personality won't be a hindrance as it is about proving he can develop into a high-end passer.

Cardale Jones, Ohio State

Height: 6'5"
Weight: 250 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 1,460 passing yards, 8 TDs, 5 INTs

Jones might have been a first-round pick had he opted to leave school after the 2014 season, when he made only three starts but led the Buckeyes to a national title. Jones returned to school and endured an up-and-down campaign in which he failed to throw for double-digit touchdowns and lost his starting job to J.T. Barrett. Jones' raw skills remain enticing, but any team selecting him will likely do so knowing it's taking on a long-term developmental project.

Dak Prescott, Mississippi State

Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225 lbs.
Age: 22

2015 stats: 3,793 passing yards, 29 TDs, 5 INTs, 588 rushing yards, 10 TDs

Prescott has been compared to Tim Tebow, which was once a compliment but is now a damning criticism. Prescott's accuracy leaves something to be desired and his ability to orchestrate an offense with the complexity of NFL schemes remains a question. Like Tebow, Prescott is praised for his intangibles, so it's possible he will make big leaps in the necessary areas at the next level.

Kevin Hogan, Stanford

Height: 6'3"
Weight: 217 lbs.
Age: 23

2015 stats: 2,867 passing yards, 27 TDs, 8 INTs, 336 rushing yards, 6 TDs

Hogan vacillated wildly between performances that made him look like a potential NFL starter and a surefire bust. Ultimately, teams may view him somewhere in between: as a likely career backup who could get a team a win in a pinch.

Nate Sudfeld, Indiana

Height: 6'6"
Weight: 236 lbs.
Age: 22

2015 stats: 3,573 passing yards, 27 TDs, 7 INTs

Sudfeld has pro-caliber measurables, but must improve his speed of decision-making and ball placement if he's ever to sniff a starting roster in the NFL.

Cody Kessler, USC

Height: 6'1"
Weight: 224 lbs.
Age: 22

2015 stats: 3,536 passing yards, 29 TDs, 7 INTs

The biggest knocks on Kessler are his lack of size and arm strength. He may be more likely to follow in the footsteps of USC predecessor Matt Barkley than Carson Palmer.