Derrick Henry, Jared Goff are big risks in a draft full of them

ByMATT BOWEN
April 20, 2016, 9:13 AM

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We've never seen an NFL draft so full of not-a-sure things. There's quarterback Carson Wentz, the out-of-nowhere $20 million man. There's enigmatic defensive lineman Robert Nkemdiche and his dream of owning a panther. Linebacker Myles Jack left his team, had knee surgery and still could be a top-five pick. All are huge risks. But they also could bring huge rewards.

Here are six more players on the boom-or-bust list:

Jared Goff

QB, California | 6-foot-4, 215 pounds
Kiper's draft range: Top 10
4,719 yards, 43 TDS, 13 INTS, 64.5% completion rate

The reward: Goff has the footwork and quick release that pro teams covet. The ball comes out hot, he can fit passes into tight windows and he has the vision to work through progressions. His football IQ is also off the charts: He threw 56 touchdowns versus one interception in the red zone in 37 starts at Cal. "From a mental standpoint," one scout said, "Goff is the best of all the quarterbacks in the draft."

The risk: Goff isn't a gunslinger, and Cal's air raid spread system won't translate to the pros. His arm strength is average, and he needs to add thickness to his frame. Some observers think Goff will be overdrafted because of the need at the position and that he'd be best served sitting as a rookie. "If he gets forced onto the field," one scout said, "he's not going to be ready."