The Rams had to do it—if for no other reason to rid themselves of coach Jeff Fisher.
The Los Angeles Rams traded up in the 2016 NFL draft to the Tennessee Titans to obtain the overall No. 1 pick, which turned out to be California quarterback Jared Goff. They essentially traded two 2016 second-round picks, one 2016 third-round pick, their first-rounder in 2017 and their third-rounder in 2017, as reported by NFL.com.
Goff ended up getting trashed for his rookie-season performance. An 0-7 record as a starter, a 54.6 completion percentage, five touchdown passes, seven interceptions and a quarterback rating of 22.2, according to Pro Football Reference.
The Rams went 4-12 in the Los Angeles rebirth, losing 11 of their final 12 games.
The Rams Wire wrote an interesting piece on what Los Angeles might’ve done had it not traded up to get Goff. They could have stocked themselves nicely, including a possible drafting of Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas, who had 92 receptions for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns last year in New Orleans.
Remember, that was with Drew Brees, not Case Keenum.
They also could’ve shored up their deficiencies on the offensive line an in the secondary and been in position to grab a franchise QB in 2017.
Los Angeles might’ve been in a position to grab either Mitch Trubisky or DeShaun Watson at quarterback to kickstart the franchise.
But if Goff’s damaged reputation was the biggest blow to the franchise, it was worth it. Otherwise, Fisher still might be coaching the team, and it was apparent even before last season that he was not going to take the Rams to the Super Bowl anytime soon.
Goff still could be the gunslinger the Rams need if new head coach Sean McVay can get him acclimated to his system. That was not going to happen with Fisher at the helm.
In terms of talent, the Goff deal might’ve set back L.A. a few years, but if it got the right coaching staff in place, it was worth the move.
Even if Goff is a bust.
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