NFL Draft Watch: Goff continues to solidify top QB status
NFL Draft Watch takes a weekly look at the world of college football, focusing on some of the top draft-eligible players that could transition to the professional game in 2016.
A number of quarterbacks appear to be in the conversation about the early first round of the 2016 NFL Draft, but one signal-caller in the Bay Area is separating himself from the competition with every passing week.
Should he continue on his current path - and make the expected decision to forgo his senior year of eligibility - Cal's Jared Goff will have every opportunity to emerge as the consensus No. 1 quarterback available next spring.
Goff put together his most productive performance yet in a 34-28 win over Washington State on Saturday, completing 33-of-45 passes for 390 yards, four touchdowns, and one interception.
The standout effort, which helped Cal to stay undefeated and move to 5-0, now gives Goff an impressive 15 touchdowns to just four interceptions on the year.
Heading into the 2015 campaign, one of the few concerns surrounding the junior's skill set was his ability to push the ball downfield and toward the sidelines.
While still doing well to work within the spread system employed by Cal's coaching staff (an admirable trait in its own right), Goff has started to prove he's capable of making such throws, which would be expected of him within an NFL offense.
With upcoming games against No. 5 Utah, No. 20 UCLA, and No. 17 USC, Goff will be the most intriguing prospect to keep an eye on over the next month of the college football season.
Similarly dominant performances against the three ranked opponents may effectively end the quarterback debate before it can get underway.
Notable Performances
Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
23 carries, 274 rushing yards, 3 TDs
Elliott is continuing to establish himself as the top draft-eligible running back, and has the potential to hear his name called in the opening round. The junior now has 739 rushing yards and eight touchdowns through five games to start the season, running for an impressive 7.3 yards per carry.
Joe Schobert, LB, Wisconsin
8 tackles, 3 sacks, 2 FF
Schobert entered the season without much excitement surrounding his NFL draft prospects, but some elite senior-season production will have pro scouts taking notice. A three-sack performance against Iowa gives him eight for the season, and at least one in each of Wisconsin's first five games.
Eric Striker, LB, Oklahoma
13 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 FF
Striker's dominant effort led the way in Oklahoma's win over West Virginia on Saturday. While his undersized frame would likely make him somewhat of a tweener early in his NFL career, his consistent dominance can't be ignored. Striker should solidify his status as an early mid-round pick as the year goes on.
Prospect Updates
Myles Jack, LB, UCLA
After having his season ended by a knee injury, Jack withdrew from the UCLA program Tuesday to prepare for the NFL draft. The junior linebacker has been considered a first-round lock by many, but it's unclear whether his decision to leave school early will negatively impact his stock.
D'haquille Williams, WR, Auburn
Williams, an explosive wideout with first-round talent, was dismissed from the Auburn football program Monday. Head coach Gus Malzahn didn't provide details on the decision during his official announcement, but it will almost certainly impact Williams in the upcoming draft.