Garrett Grayson NFL Draft 2015: Scouting Report, Grade for Saints' Round 3 Pick

STRENGTHS

A high-riser during his senior season, Garrett Grayson has the touch, accuracy and football intelligence to be worth a mid-round draft pick. Grayson’s arm isn’t great, but he has a good range of velocity and touch and can thread the ball into tight spots underneath and over the middle. His deep-ball arc and placement are very good, and he shows nice timing to drop the ball in over a running wide receiver.

Grayson will mix up his velocity but is more of a touch passer, which does make his passes very catchable. Mechanically, Grayson has a solid foundation and shows balance in his feet. He’ll plant and throw and uses his lower body and core to generate power. His ability to slide and shuffle in the pocket makes his pocket presence a plus, and he’s not afraid of contact or pressure in his face.

Grayson is agile enough to pick up yards with his feet if the pocket breaks down. He showed consistent improvement throughout his career.

WEAKNESSES

Grayson didn’t impress during the week of live viewing at the Senior Bowl. He has an awkward throwing motion and keeps the ball far from his body during his release, with added pressure on the elbow throughout his delivery. A lack of velocity on underneath throws is more of a concern than his overall lack of arm strength, but Grayson doesn’t meet the NFL threshold for a strong arm.

Grayson was helped by the scheme, which allowed him to make a large number of throws underneath coverage and set up his receivers for yards after the catch. It was rare to see Grayson work off his first option in the route tree. Despite good agility and quickness, Grayson isn’t fluid in his drop steps.

A lack of arm strength to make routine NFL throws is the primary issue here, but Grayson doesn’t show up well as a read-and-react quarterback. He needs developmental time before he’s ready to diagnose a defense and make plays. Grayson is a backup projection with starter potential, but he’s a better fit in a West Coast offense that doesn’t value the deep ball.

2014 STATISTICS

Passing Yards: 4,006
Touchdowns: 32
Interceptions: 7

PRO COMPARISON: Shaun Hill, Minnesota Vikings

Grayson’s lack of great arm strength and his awkward throwing motion may never make him a long-term starter, but he has the tools to be a very good backup in the NFL.

FINAL GRADE: 5.49/9.00 (Quality Backup)