Davis Webb, Cal football’s quarterback in the 2016 season, was taken in the third round of the NFL draft by the Giants on Friday night with the 87th pick.

After initially being graded as a fourth- or third-round talent by most media analysts, news started to spread that he was more highly regarded by scouts within the NFL. Clearly, the media ended up being correct. After the conclusion of Cal’s season, he began working with former NFL head coach Jim Zorn, who took it upon himself to sing Webb’s praises after Cal’s Pro Day.

“Truly, I would not have a problem with having Webb come in and starting right out, and getting him involved right now because he does have a strong personality, I think he’s very forward in getting in the mix,” Zorn said. “He’s not afraid to make a mistake. So I think there’s some really good qualities for him to come in and have a faster start than other system quarterbacks.”

After an up-and-down start at Texas Tech that saw him lose his starting job twice, Webb transferred to Cal and put up big numbers in an underwhelming 5-7 season. But his time with the Bears, who at the time ran a passer-friendly, Air Raid-style system, gave Webb plenty of opportunity to show off his most desirable traits — namely, a big arm and NFL body. His decision making has been questioned at points throughout this process, but in what is generally regarded as a weak crop of quarterbacks, the Giants seemed to think it was worth taking a shot on his promise.

Webb has never lacked for self-confidence in his dealings with the media and had hinted after his Pro Day that there was a good chance that he would be taken this high.

“NFL teams tell me I’m a first-round talent,” Webb said. “I trust those guys, they’re the ones making the picks. But again, that’s out of my control. I’ve had — numerous double-digit — teams tell me I’m a first-round guy.”

Webb’s name wasn’t called during the first round nor a second-round pick despite these conversations with multiple teams, but Webb landing in the top-90 is an impressive feat nonetheless.

“Things fell a little differently,” said Webb. “But at the same time, I landed at a great spot and great organization.”

Despite the weak group of signal-callers available, NFL teams can never resist using their picks on the most valuable position on the field. Three quarterbacks were taken in the first 12 picks, including Patrick Mahomes, who took over for Webb at Texas Tech, which eventually led to Webb’s transfer.

Andrew Wild is the assistant sports editor. Contact him at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @andrewwild17.