Rams keep suspense high by hosting quarterbacks Carson Wentz and Jared Goff

In an attempt to do due diligence and finalize their choice – or to simply keep their options open with a smokescreen – the Rams met this week with North Dakota State quarterback Carson Wentz and they are scheduled to meet with California quarterback Jared Goff.

The Rams, holding the No. 1 pick in next week’s draft, played host to Wentz on Monday and Tuesday, a person with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. Goff was due to arrive in the next day or two the person said.

Wentz and Goff are expected to be the first and second players chosen, though in which order remains to be seen.

The Rams traded from the No. 15 spot to the top of the draft to ensure they could select a quarterback.

They have gone to great lengths to not indicate a preference, though General Manager Les Snead told national radio host Dan Patrick that “we have a leader in the clubhouse, obviously.”

The quarterback-needy Cleveland Browns, coached by Hue Jackson, a former Cal assistant, hold the No. 2 pick and are believed to covet Goff. The Rams have the luxury of not tipping their hand, because if they have zeroed in on Wentz, they can give the impression they might take Goff and essentially force the Browns to move up.

So the Rams are expected to use every possible minute leading up to the announcement of their pick next Thursday night in Chicago.

The Rams on Tuesday completed the second day of their off-season program. Offensive lineman Rodger Saffold returned to Oxnard after being delayed because of storms in Texas.