Is Dak Prescott the top quarterback from the 2016 NFL Draft?
The Dallas Cowboys are always the center of attention in the NFL. Because of that, constant criticisms are surrounding the team, the coaches, and the fans.
Being the quarterback for America’s Team means you will be under the most pressure. Quarterback Dak Prescott was made well aware of that. Throughout his career, fans and analysts pushed Dak aside in favor of two quarterbacks from his draft class.
The first and second overall picks in the 2016 NFL Draft were quarterbacks. The Los Angeles Rams picked Jared Goff, and the Philadelphia Eagles picked Carson Wentz. Dak was drafted 133 picks after Wentz, the second overall pick.
All three became starters, and at one point in time, were Pro Bowl selections. It appeared to be a close matchup between the three quarterbacks for the first three seasons. In the past two seasons, however, someone emerged as the top player.
. . . QB. Jared Goff. . player. 50
With the Rams, Goff played well except for a rough rookie season. His record of 42-20 ties Dak as the best among the three quarterbacks. Back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons in 2017 and 2018 brought attention to a quarterback some thought was a huge miss with the first overall pick.
The California product threw for 18,171 yards, 107 touchdowns, and 55 interceptions. His passing yards and interceptions lead the trio of quarterbacks.
He led the Rams to the playoffs twice, headlined by playing in Super Bowl LIII, which followed the 2018 NFL season. That was before he ultimately lost to the best quarterback of all time, Tom Brady.
Despite the loss, Goff owns a 2-3 playoff record. An injury forced him to be the backup in the Wild Card game win in the 2020 playoffs. Had he been credited with the start, his record would have been 3-3.
Los Angeles has had one of the top defenses in the NFL while Goff was the starting quarterback. It was a blessing and a curse for the young quarterback.