Carson Wentz (Photo : Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos are rumored to be looking for a quarterback in the 2016 NFL draft, while the San Francisco 49ers could be in play for a defensive end.
The Rams have moved up in this year's draft selection after trading their No. 15 pick, two-second round picks (Nos. 43 and 45) and a third-round pick (No. 76) to the Tennessee Titans.
With the Rams now holding the No. 1 overall pick, many believe the team would fill their need for a quarterback and according to the latest NFL mock draft, all signs are pointing Los Angeles selects North Dakota's Carson Wentz, as reported by Sam Farmer of The Los Angeles Times.
Rams are taking a QB with No. 1 pick. I believe they're leaning toward Carson Wentz, but Jared Goff heavily in mix too. This gives them time
— Sam Farmer (@LATimesfarmer) April 14, 2016
Wentz has the potential to be a star quarterback in the NFL with his big and athletic figure and pro-style system that he mastered at North Dakota. However, the 23-year-old may not be the perfect quarterback prospect available for the Rams, with California's Jared Goff the more polished between the two QB prospects.
In the latest NFL mock draft of Fox Sports' Peter Schrager, the Rams are projected to pick Goff, although Wentz is still considered as a possible option.
"The read I get is that the Rams are leaning towards Goff, the talented 215-pounder out of Cal. That doesn't mean the winds of change in Los Angeles can't lead to a late push for Carson Wentz," Schrager noted.
Another team looking for a quarterback in the draft is the Broncos, who have been looking to fill the void left by Peyton Manning. Schrager has the Super Bowl 50 winners pick Michigan State QB Connor Cook at No. 31.
The 23-year-old Cook could be a steal for Denver at the last spot in the first round selection. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. believes Cook has the skills to be a starting quarterback in the league, and for the Broncos who do not have any veteran players at the position, it seems the Michigan State product would likely end up on a starting role of he joins Denver.
"The key with Connor Cook is are the intangibles better than people think. Is he a guy that can be a leader? Is he a guy that can galvanize? If he can do that, the sky's the limit. If he can't he'll be a disappointment in the NFL." Kiper said, reports the Detroit Free Press.
Meanwhile, the 49ers could be in play for a defensive end in DeForest Buckner when the team selects at No. 7.
In Schrager's draft scenario, Buckner would be a "logical choice" for San Francisco if they miss out at the top two quarterbacks in Goff and Wentz. Schrager noted that Buckner would be a perfect fit playing alongside Arik Armstead in the 49ers' defensive line and could suit well playing under Chip Kelly, who recruited the DE to the Ducks.
The 49ers have been linked to wanting a quarterback prospect as an assurance in case Colin Kaepernick leaves the club. But Buckner seems to be a good consolation prize if the 49ers fail to bring either Goff or Wentz to San Francisco.
