The third quarterback taken in the draft is by the Saints in the 3rd round in Garrett Grayson. I don’t view this position as a need and I feel fine with Luke McCown and Ryan Griffin as the backup situation, so I’m not a huge fan of this pick. Grayson could easily end up on the practice squad, with someone else, or on IR in 2015. Either that, or this will force the Saints to keep 3 quarterbacks on their roster so they don’t lose him as he’s developing. You’d have to assume Ryan Griffin is pretty much done with this selection. Can Grayson become the heir to Brees, though? I’m not sold. This feels like a wasted pick, but hopefully he can develop into the next great Saints quarterback. He will certainly learn from the best.
Here’s his write up on NFL.com:
STRENGTHS
Tremendous deep-ball touch and accuracy this season. Puts air under the ball and feathers throw into consistently catchable spots for receivers. Gets feet set and uses lower body and proper weight transfer to drive the ball to his target with zip. Works to square shoulders to throw when outside of the pocket. Scouts love his toughness and improved poise in the pocket. Willing to face down oncoming rusher and take hit in order to deliver the pass. Shows confidence to challenge safeties and will attack press-man cornerbacks over the top. Production improved each season as starter. Has worked under center, in pistol and out of shotgun.
WEAKNESSES
Has a small windup, which slows release. Catch-and-run touchdowns helped inflate his YPA and touchdowns this season. Tape work shows inconsistent decision-making and and a need for faster processing. Gets too locked in on his primary target. Rarely threatens defenses with feet. Lacks improvisation and ability to extend plays. Needs play to stay on schedule. Needs work on anticipation and trusting windows. Slow getting into his drops and scouts want quicker ball handling from him. Shows inconsistent accuracy on short throws into windows against zone. Will run his receivers into big collisions at times.
BOTTOM LINE
Grayson went from fringe draft prospect to clearly on the draft board with a strong 2014 season. Despite average arm talent, he uses good lower-body mechanics to generate velocity and his touch and accuracy on deep throws is eye-opening. Grayson needs more tape work to help improve his decision-making, but his size, production and growth at the position have ticked the requisite draft boxes to make him an intriguing mid-round prospect.
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