Goff receives high marks
Rookie quarterback is showing not only physical skills, but also a resilient makeup.
Despite some miscues, the Rams’ rookie QB has impressed during early practices.
The rookie quarterback calmly surveyed the defense, took the snap and looked for receivers amid the pass rush before tucking the ball and scrambling into the end zone for a touchdown.
It was one of the final plays of the Rams’ workout Wednesday, and Jared Goff continued to show something new.
That has been the theme through five organized team activities practices in Oxnard, where the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft continues to progress.
Goff was not made available to reporters Wednesday, but coaches and teammates said that despite expected miscues, the rookie has impressed during the noncontact practices.
“I can’t wait till he gets it all down,” cornerback Trumaine Johnson said. “He’s learned the playbook fine. Once he gets comfortable, the sky is the limit for him.”
As he did in previous workouts, Goff had a few passes intercepted. But he also connected with receivers on several difficult throws, including one to undrafted free agent Nelson Spruce for a touchdown.
Coach Jeff Fisher praised Goff’s ability to bounce back.
“Jared saw a couple things out here that he hadn’t seen before, and the ball ends up in the defensive players hands,” Fisher said. “The best thing … was he walks in the huddle and goes, ‘Hey, that was on me. Let’s go to the next play and we’ll go on.’
“He doesn’t dwell on things.” Goff also seeks feedback. Receiver Pharoh Cooper, a fourth-round draft pick, said Goff consults with him after bad plays to review coverages or quickly review why a play broke down.
“That’s kind of good things you notice in him, just trying to build his leadership,” Cooper said.
Goff, like many new players, is struggling at times because “there’s a lot of thinking going on,” offensive coordinator Rob Boras said.
“There’s going to be good and bad,” he said. “It’s just don’t make the same mistake twice.”
Boras knew Goff’s skill set from studying him on film. The coach is learning other parts of the quarterback’s makeup.
“We all heard how competitive he is — and you feel it,” Boras said, adding, “We knew the ability he has as a passer. It’s just kind of undressing those other things.”
Goff, Cooper and other drafted rookies are expected to sign contracts Thursday, a person with knowledge of the situation said.
Rookie contracts are slotted, so Goff’s contract will slightly exceed the fouryear, $26.7-million deal that No. 2 pick Carson Wentz signed with the Philadelphia Eagles. Wentz’s deal included a $17.6-million signing bonus.
Bailey update
Receiver Stedman Bailey cleared waivers and will be placed on the Rams’ non-football injury list.
Bailey, who is recovering from gunshot wounds to the head suffered last November, has not been cleared for football activities and will not play this season.
“As I’ve said numerous times, he’s lucky to be alive,” Fisher said. “I’m so impressed he’s gotten back into shape and is willing to play. But there really, at this point, is no medical research that will permit him to play.”
Bailey still will have a role with the Rams, Fisher said.
“I’m going to be selfish and try to bring him over on the coaching side,” he said, adding, “There’s a lot of work behind the scenes that needs to be done, so we’ll put him behind a desk and bring him out on the field and see how he likes it.”
Quick hits
Running back Todd Gurley did not participate because coaches gave him the day off. Benny Cunningham is second on running back depth chart. With Tre Mason absent from OTAs, Malcolm Brown is third. “We just have to prepare ourselves that Tre is not going to be here,” Fisher said. Mason was arrested in Florida in March on suspicion of marijuana possession, reckless driving and resisting arrest. He has entered a plea of not guilty . ... Quarterback Dylan Thompson, who signed this week, practiced for the first time. Thompson played with Cooper at South Carolina. … Tight end Tyler Higbee has been sidelined for several workouts but is expected to return Friday, Fisher said.