Since the two were taken in the 2016 NFL Draft, Carson Wentz and Jared Goff have regularly been compared to one another. That begs to ask the question: What if the Los Angeles Rams chose Wentz over Goff in the 2016 NFL Draft?
Back in 2016, the Rams selected Goff with the No. 1 overall pick out of the University of California. Los Angeles surrendered two first-round picks, two second-round picks, and two third-round picks.
At the same time, the Rams yielded a return of being able to select Goff, a fourth-round selection, and a sixth-round pick. It was one of the biggest draft-day trades in NFL history in terms of what was being swapped.
Following Los Angeles' selection of Goff, the Philadelphia Eagles used the No. 2 overall pick on Wentz. Throughout the entire draft process, Goff and Wentz were considered as the top two quarterbacks available.
When Goff was taken by the Rams, it was expected that he would immediately become the starter. Instead, Jeff Fisher (Los Angeles' head coach at the time) chose to start Case Keenum for the first nine games of the season.
After Keenum's nine starts, Fisher finally chose to deploy Goff under center for the rest of the season. Unfortunately, Goff would end the season with only 1,089 yards, five touchdowns, and seven interceptions in his first seven starts.
Above all, the rookie out of California finished with an 0-7 record and didn't seem to warrant being the first-overall pick. On the other hand, Wentz flashed some potential as a franchise quarterback as he combined for 3,782 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions in his rookie campaign.
Luckily for Goff, the Rams moved on from Fisher and hired Sean McVay at head coach. The offensive-minded coach was able to work with Goff and help him become a completely different player in his sophomore season.
In 2017, Goff aired it out for 3,804 yards, 28 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Along with his individual numbers, the Rams' quarterback helped the Rams make the playoffs for the first time since the 2004 season.
Comparatively, Wentz also had a remarkable second season in the NFL. The Eagles' hopeful franchise quarterback tossed 33 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Sadly, Wentz was unable to take part in Philadelphia's Super Bowl win in 2017.
Injuries have hindered Wentz in his first three seasons in the NFL. Last year, Goff was a vital factor in Los Angeles advancing to the Super Bowl against the New England Patriots.
Of course, Goff and the Rams suffered a heartbreaking loss as they scored a mere three points in the Super Bowl. The California native hasn't been the same quarterback since that disappointing performance.
Article Continues BelowAhead of the 2019 season, the Eagles and Rams committed to both quarterbacks for the long-term. Wentz garnered a four-year, $128 extension. Shortly after, Los Angeles devoted $134 million over four years to Goff.
Fast forward to the 2019 season, and both quarterbacks are still having their fair share of struggles. First and foremost, Goff has turned the ball over 20 times (the most in his career).
While the offensive line has contributed to that, Goff's decision-making has taken a slight regression. As for Wentz, the tough-nosed quarterback has continued to falter in being able to hold onto the football.
In his first 54 starts in the NFL, Wentz has fumbled the ball 46 times (most in the NFL in that span). This year alone, the North Dakota State product has put the ball on the ground 14 times, tied for the most in his career.
For Wentz, the Eagles have been riddled with injuries at the wide receiver position. As a result, he was required to throw a game-winning touchdown to an undrafted wide receiver who was playing quarterback in college in 2018.
Both have had their shortcomings in their first four seasons in the NFL. But is there a chance that Wentz would make the Rams better in any capacity?
Over the offseason, the Rams neglected to address the voids along the offensive line. Therefore, Wentz would provide Los Angeles with a more mobile quarterback. He would be able to make up for some of the deficiencies of the offensive line.
While he would provide more mobility, there's the chance that he isn't available for all 16 games. Goff, who looks like a giraffe when he runs, has never missed a game due to injury.
At this point, it's unfair to assume that Wentz would've been the better choice for the Rams. Provided that it is a better conversation to be had after next season.