Can 2019 NFL Draft prospect, QB Will Grier make the throws that get the NFL excited about his potential? Rookie Scouting Portfolio writer Mark Schofield shared compelling evidence.
One person who will be following the rookie season of Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield is current West Virginia University quarterback Will Grier. If Mayfield truly demonstrates that NFL teams will draft quarterbacks with the Big 12’s wide-open Air Raid, spread background, Grier might benefit from that paradigm shift.
When evaluating collegiate passers it is often difficult to project how they will function in the NFL when asked to attack the middle of the field, whether between the numbers or between the hash marks. Many college offenses focus on the short areas of the field as well as the boundaries, scheming together safer throws for their quarterbacks. So when you get a chance to see a QB attack the middle of the field and be successful, it sticks in your mind.
Grier opened his scoring account last weekend with this beautiful strike on a deep crossing route, challenging that intermediate area of the field with great effect:
Grier puts his teammate in position for this touchdown by making a strong throw and putting it in the perfect spot. His receiver does not even break stride as he streaks across the middle, snares the pass while staying full speed, and outracing the defenders to the end zone.
Grier has some inconsistencies with his mechanics, particularly in the lower body, and he will need to take better care of the football, especially as a runner. But throws like this get me excited…and likely excite some NFL offensive coaches as well.
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