Over four seasons in Detroit, Jared Goff has gone from one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL to one of the best. In fact, over the last three seasons, only one quarterback has thrown for most passing yards and more touchdowns than Patrick Mahomes: Jared Goff.
Coming off the best season of his career in which he finished fifth for MVP, Goff came in at No. 8 among QB's in ESPN's annual ranking of the best players at each position, voted on by league executives, coaches and scouts. Up from No. 9 last year and honorable mention the year before that, Goff was sandwiched between Justin Herbert (No. 7) and reigning Super Bowl champ Jalen Hurts (No. 9).
"He's developed into one of the game's best pure passers," said one veteran defensive coach in the NFC. "He doesn't turn the ball over like he used to. He's a reliable quarterback with a real arm. He's not just a dropback passer who makes s--- happen. He's become more than that."
Goff threw 37 touchdowns to 12 picks last season and finished second in the NFL to Lamar Jackson in both passer rating (111.8) and yards per attempt. He finished second to Joe Burrow in passing yards. And he finished first in yards and touchdowns on play-action passes.
Once a liability under pressure, even during his time in Detroit, Goff was much better in that regard last season. He also had the fifth-highest passer rating in the NFL when blitzed.
"He's improved in his ability to reset his feet and deliver the ball accurately, and it's changed his career," said a veteran AFC scout. "The coaching staff in Detroit gave him a greater sense of calm in the pocket, and he's capitalized on it."
The next challenge for Goff is proving that he can continue to thrive without one of the game's best play-callers in his ear in Ben Johnson and one of its best centers in front of him in Frank Ragnow.
Mahomes was the top-ranked quarterback on the list for the third straight year, followed by reigning MVP Josh Allen, with Burrow and Jackson Nos. 3 and 4. Jayden Daniels and Matthew Stafford were next, with Baker Mayfield completing the top 10 after Herbert, Goff and Hurts.