Rams Reportedly Worked Out Jared Goff, Carson Wentz Before Titans Trade

In case it wasn't clear the Los Angeles Rams were keen on drafting a quarterback with their newly acquired No. 1 pick, the team held private workouts with California's Jared Goff and North Dakota State's Carson Wentz long before pulling the trigger on Thursday's trade with the Tennessee Titans.

Per NFL.com's Michael Silver, Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead were so enamored by a February workout with Goff the two came to the decision they needed to make a big move in the draft to secure their signal-caller. 

Don't assume that means Goff will be the top pick, however, as Silver also noted Fisher and Snead flew straight from California to Fargo, North Dakota, for a private workout with Wentz that was also described as impressive. 

It does seem, though, that Goff is the subject of Los Angeles' desire. Silver noted one witness described the Cal star as having "ripped it" during his workout, and another person said the football "never hit the ground" when Goff was throwing. 

Making Goff's throwing skills more impressive, per Silver, is they came in a rainstorm that he describes as being reminiscent of the climactic moment involving Tim Robbins' character escaping from prison in The Shawshank Redemption. 

This development is hardly surprising, as Fisher said at Thursday's press conference (via Zac Jackson of Pro Football Talk) announcing the blockbuster deal with the Titans that the Rams "were the first ones in" on Goff and Wentz in the predraft workout process. 

At the same press conference, Snead said "there will be suspense leading all the way up" to the pick because the Rams were going to keep their options open. However, the consensus seems to be they are favoring Goff, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the team was "leaning" in his direction. 

The Rams caught everyone off guard with this deal, giving up five draft picks in addition to swapping first-rounders this year, but they believe this is the right move. There's a ton of talent already in place, led by running back Todd Gurley and defensive tackle Aaron Donald, but quarterback is the black hole on offense.

Nick Foles proved last year he's not capable of leading the Rams into the playoffs. Goff and Wentz have a lot to prove when they enter the NFL, but either quarterback will have to feel good knowing how much their new team believes in them.