NFL draft: Rams tap Cal's Goff as No. 1 pick, as Ole Miss's Tunsil sunk by social media

The Rams pick Jared Goff in 2016 NFL draft
(Image credit: AP/YouTube)

The Los Angeles Rams had the first overall pick at Thursday night's NFL draft in Chicago, and they chose Cal quarterback Jared Goff for their newly relocated franchise. The other contender being floated for first pick, North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz, was snapped up by the Philadelphia Eagles in the second overall draft pick. Goff, 21, said he is ready to move to L.A. "There's going to be pressure no matter when you're picked in the first round," he told reporters. "I think I can bring a lot to the table. I think I can bring a lot to the team."

There was a bit of drama before and during the draft with the social media accounts of Ole Miss offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, previously considered a likely No. 1 draft pick. Right before the draft began, a video of Tunsil smoking something out of a bong while wearing a gas mask was posted on his Twitter feed, before being taken down, along with his Twitter account. Tunsil said his account was hacked but told ESPN that it was him in the 2-year-old video, adding that he doesn't have a drug problem.

The Miami Dolphins nabbed Tunsil as the No. 13 overall pick, and after the draft, someone posted an image of a text message exchange to his Instagram account that appeared to show Ole Miss assistant athletic director John Miller discussing paying the rent and bills of Tunsil's mother. In a news conference, Tunsil said that he had taken money from a coach at Ole Miss, telling reporters: "I made a mistake. That happened." When reporters asked if he had spoken with NCAA investigators, Tunsil was ushered out of the room. You can watch the first two draft picks in the video below. Peter Weber

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.