All offseason long we've been pounding the table for Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff to be considered a top-10 quarterback, and we got our wish in ESPN's annual rankings based on the opinions of NFL scouts, coaches and executives.
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Goff landed at No. 9 in the rankings one season after landing in the honorable mentions category. The Lions signal-caller was second among NFC quarterbacks, falling behind only the Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford. Goff also received at least one vote for No. 5.
Just in case you were wondering, here's a look at the full top 10:
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
- Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams
- Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
- C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
- Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
- Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
"He's the best in the NFL at throwing into zone coverage windows," one NFL coordinator said. "I've shown young quarterbacks tape of him and how he throws with anticipation."
"He used to seem nervous in the pocket, but now he's cool in there," an NFC executive explained. "I don't think he has that pressure on him like he did in L.A. Detroit has embraced him and he's responded."
"He's outplayed some of his critics," an AFC scout said. "Played well in big games."
The honor is well-deserved for Goff, who has resurrected his career with the Lions and aided in the revival of the franchise while serving as one of the better signal-callers in the NFL over the past two seasons.
It's one thing for Goff to get a spot in the top 10 in the rankings of an analyst, but the fact that actual NFL employees see him as one is an entirely different thing. This is a huge showing of respect for the veteran quarterback.
Now all that's left for Goff is to help the Lions get over the hump and win their first Super Bowl, which would take him to another level, even in the eyes of his biggest detractors.
