The Los Angeles Rams are hoping they struck gold when they traded up to select Jared Goff with the first overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Giving up a slew of picks to take one player is certainly risky, but it was an essential move if the Rams were to become serious contenders in the NFC.

Shortly following the conclusion of the draft, per usual, NFL experts offer up their grades for each team’s draft haul. For the Rams, it’s apparent that Goff’s ability to lead this team to a postseason will ultimately determine if this draft class is a monster success...or an epic failure.

Taking the entirety of the offseason into account, to include the aforementioned draft report cards, those experts then turn their attention to early NFL Power Rankings. While every team would like to think it’s gotten better at this point, it’s all speculative.

How do these experts think the Rams stack up in early May?

Elliot Harrison, NFL.com - 26

The Jared Goff Era begins. It's exciting. Former Rams QB Jim Everett looks excited -- at least, if you're going by the gusto he displayed in announcing the team's Day 3 selection of Pharoh Cooper on Saturday. The guy looked slightly more excited than he did when talking to Jim Rome back in the day. Still on the fence as to whether it is better to let a quarterback sit or throw him to the wolves Week 1. Either way, playing in the Pac-12 meant Goff was facing top-notch talent on a week-in, week-out basis. (complete rankings)

Pete prisco, Cbs sports - 22

They got their franchise passer in Jared Goff, but when does he start? I say put him in there right away. Let the process begin. (complete rankings)

Kirby Lee, USA Today Sports - 23

Finding a QB is never easy, and the Rams made a bold move to trade for the No. 1 pick to take Jared Goff. The rookie won’t need to carry the team, but Los Angeles fans will be eager to see signs of a star. (complete rankings)

Brent Sobleski, bleacher report - 23

In order to achieve the first goal (add a franchise quarterback), the team traded up to the No. 1 overall pick to select Cal's Jared Goff. The California kid remains in-state and is now the future of Rams football.



Snead then proceeded to acquire multiple targets for his shiny new quarterback. Western Kentucky's Tyler Higbee has off-field issues, but he was easily one of the top tight end talents available. South Carolina's Pharoh Cooper continues to develop as a wide receiver, and he's special with the ball in his hands. Temarrick Hemingway is another tight end target who is quite raw but highly athletic. And Southern Miss' Mike Thomas just might be the team's best selection outside of its first choice.



Goff and his crew are officially coming to the NFL. (complete rankings)