WVU QB Will Grier Shows Out At Pro Day, Earns Meeting with Redskins

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As we grow ever-closer to the NFL draft, folks in DC are no doubt following the headlines regarding the latest crop of quarterback talent that could land in Ashburn.

Several names like Duke’s Daniel Jones and Missouri’s Drew Lock have frequently been associated with the Redskins but just today another prolific signal-caller reminded the football world at-large that he deserves serious consideration: West Virginia’s Will Grier.

Grier, who posted an astounding 7,354 yards and 71 TD’s to 20 INT’s in two years with the Mountaineers just wrapped up his pro day in Morgantown to a great deal of acclaim according to insider Adam Schefter:

In addition, it’s reported that Grier had a private audience with Redskins head coach Jay Gruden last night leading up to today’s pro day events:

It should come as no surprise that the Redskins are expending valuable resources on scouting potential quarterbacks in the draft given the dire straits the team is currently in under center.  Veteran backup Colt McCoy is now set to battle recently acquired journeyman Case Keenum for the Redskins starting QB spot while last year’s starter Alex Smith is trying to rehab from a horrific leg injury.  Simply put, the Redskins need help and fast.

Grier’s trajectory as a pro prospect has ranged from late first-rounder to third-rounder depending on which mock draft you happen to stumble upon.  Among the knocks against the North Carolina native and one time Florida Gator are the messy optics surrounding his exit from Gainesville, his absence from the Mountaineers’ bowl game several months ago and inconsistent mechanics.

However, there is also a good deal to like.

At the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Grier’s passes clocked the highest initial velocity among all quarterbacks at 59 MPH, which is to say that he can sling it hard.  He’s a prolific deep ball thrower, displays great pocket awareness and, despite what some might claim, brings good size at 6’2″ and change and 220 pounds.  Additionally, he’s mobile out of the pocket and does a great job at extending plays.  Perhaps most important of all is he plays with high energy and has high football IQ.

He is, after all, the son of a renowned high school coach and was once the Parade national high school player of the year and an Army All-American.  Grier’s not a stranger to winning pedigree and every ounce of that is invaluable inside the huddle.

A recent advanced metrics study also helps his case across the board tremendously, assuming you’re the type who likes to look beyond the Youtube highlight reels.

If Grier is still there in the third round, he should be person of serious interest for the Redskins.  He’s a far more accomplished and battle-tested player than Daniel Jones or even Jarrett Stidham and is (in my opinion) getting serially overlooked in this year’s draft cycle. What occurs during his private sit-down with Redskins brass later today might tip the scales in his favor and convince Bruce Allen and co. that Grier is a developmental-starter with budding potential that can help Washington over the long term.