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The One At 1: 2016 -- Jared Goff

Rams' risky decision to trade up to No. 1 pick worked out well

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz.
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 3, 2017, in Glendale, Ariz.

The Cardinals hold the No. 1 overall pick for April's NFL draft for the first time since 1958. As the day for the Cards to make their selection draws closer, azcardinals.com will take a look at the last 30 No. 1 overall selections and each player's impact on the team and league.

NAME/YEAR: Jared Goff/2016

TEAM: Los Angeles Rams

THE SITUATION: The Rams made a gutsy move, dealing two first-rounders, two second-rounders and a third-round pick to move up from No. 15 to the top spot in the draft. Two quarterbacks were in the discussion to be the top choice and it soon became clear Los Angeles had its eyes on Goff, who starred a several hours north at Cal-Berkeley.

THE CAREER: Goff's rookie season was rocky, as he went winless in seven starts and threw only five touchdown passes compared to seven interceptions. However, the arrival of coach Sean McVay in 2017 sparked a turnaround. Goff had the same number of picks but increased his touchdown total to 28, finishing with a quarterback rating of 100.5. Goff was even better last season, and the Rams finished 13-3 and advanced to the Super Bowl. It took a lot to move up and get Goff, but it certainly looks like Los Angeles made the right decision.

THE OTHER OPTIONS IN TOP FIVE: The Eagles moved up as well and grabbed Carson Wentz with the No. 2 overall pick, and while he's battled injuries, there have been flashes of stardom. The top-5 was stacked with talent, as the Chargers took Ohio State star defensive end Joey Bosa at No. 3. The Cowboys took another Buckeye, running back Ezekiel Elliott, at No. 4 while the Jaguars rounded out the top-5 with the selection of elite cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Every team near the top of the draft seems satisfied with its choice, which is a rarity.

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