SUMMARY: Graham Mertz grew up outside of Kansas City, Kan., with his parents (Ron and Amy). His father played for John Gutekunst (father of Packers GM Brian Gutekunst) on the offensive line at Minnesota (1989-92). His older sisters (Lauren and Mya) played college basketball at Kansas State and Drake, respectively. Mertz grew up playing quarterback and started training with private coach Justin Hoover in sixth grade. After starting at Bishop Miege High, he transferred as a junior and led Blue Valley North to the 2017 Class 6A state title (3,684 yards passing and 49 touchdowns). A four-star recruit, Mertz had Wisconsin ties and connected with former head coach Paul Chryst, becoming the highest-ranked quarterback to ever sign with the Badgers. After a rocky four seasons in Madison (19-13 as a starter), he entered the transfer portal and landed at Florida, where he started 16 games over the past two seasons (7-9 record) but missed nine because of injuries. A good-sized athlete, Mertz is efficient on play action with enough mobility (in and out of the pocket) to buy time. He is quick to scan, and his internal clock has upgraded over the years, although his accuracy drops off with his secondary reads. Overall, Mertz struggled to stay healthy in Gainesville, but he played with improved confidence and better decision-making than what he showed at Wisconsin. He will get his chance to compete for an NFL roster spot, once he's healthy.
If Nick was TRULY about sticking to his board and wanted to draft a QB, why didn't he trade up and draft Sanders?
Backups are backups, you hope they never see the field under your teams jersey. I'm actually stunned this wasn't Cameron Williams
Nick obviously doesn't watch college football. This time next year Nick will be assistant manager at a Wawa.
Give me TALENT! It's the NFL, there's a headcase in every Locker Room. I would've showcased him during the Pre-Season and traded him to a QB needy team. There is always going to be a QB needy team
Man I watched no College football last year I seriously want to know who we are drafting Rocket River
I remember him at Wisconsin where he wasn't good and his inability to make throws was a drag on their offense. I see that he had one good year at UF, so hopefully he can play well enough to run scout team after getting healthy.
