Quarterbacks Jared Goff and Carson Wentz were the first two picks in the NFL draft Thursday, as expected. Nobody is sure either will be great, the uncertainty also as expected.
If there’s even a suggestion a quarterback might develop into a star, teams will jump at them, which is how a guy with athletic skills from lonely outpost North Dakota State (Wentz) finds himself as the Eagles’ top pick, second overall.
The two quarterbacks likely will not get enough time to learn the game, especially Goff, who is expected to start right away for the Rams and be a major attraction as football returns to Los Angeles. No pressure there.
To move up to the top pick, the Rams gave the Titans their first round-pick this season (15th overall) and next, two 2016 second-round picks and a third-round pick next season. The Rams will be in a new stadium and wanted to make a splash. What says “Hollywood’’ more than a quarterback?
It’s borderline unfair to put a 21-year-old kid in that position, but did I mention he has a decent arm and is purportedly “pro ready?”
Wentz would seem to have it a little easier, until you remember that the Eagles traded up for the second pick overall and that Philadelphia fans eat their own. So, no.
There are a few examples of quarterbacks going 1-2 in the draft, with mixed results. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota did last season, and it’s too early to make any grand statements.
In 2012, Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III were the first two overall picks. Luck worked out, RGIII didn’t. In 1999, it was Tim Couch and Donovan McNabb. McNabb had a long career, Couch didn’t.
And then there’s the ultimate cautionary tale of 1998, when the Colts chose Peyton Manning first (ding!) and the Chargers took Ryan Leaf, who lasted three seasons and saw his life fall apart.
If you’re fans of the Rams and the Eagles, get excited at your own peril.
