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It seems inevitable that the Redskins will select a young QB in the 2019 draft. Alex Smith's future hangs by a thread. The only certainty is that he will not suit up in 2019. That leaves the Skins with an unproven and injury prone Colt McCoy, and...well...some other guys. With Jay Gruden's job on the line, and the Redskins fanbase mired in doom and gloom, drafting a youngster to lead the way in the future seems like an imperative.
And don't believe the pundits. This is a great year to do so. While it's true that many of the marquee talents at QB may not be available in this draft, don't be mistaken. There is talent to be had. And in a rare scenario, most of the teams drafting ahead of the Washington Redskins in Round 1 are seemingly set at the most important position on the roster. The Redskins have two choices. Draft one of a handful of more highly touted stars with their first pick, or try and beat the Vegas odds by picking up that hidden gem in later rounds.
Our 2nd pre-draft QB battle we pit two highly-regarded QBs who most draft experts see going anywhere from Round 2 to Round 4, West Virginia's Will Grier and NC State's Ryan Finley.
Will Grier
Height: 6' 1"
Weight: 214 lbs
Career Passing Yards (2.5 seasons): 8,556 (306 yds/game)
Career Completion %: 65.7%
Career Yards/Attempt: 9.1
Career TDs: 81
Career INTs: 23
Career Rushing Yards: 148
Career QB Rating: 165.2
Highlight Reel:
Conventional Wisdom: The first and most obvious thing to know about Grier? He lacks prototypical NFL QB size. That didn't stop Grier from being highly prolific at West Virginia and I don't think it's a major factor. If Grier were 6' 4" and 230 lbs, he might be a top 3 QB pick in 2019. Former Parade National HS Player of the Year in 2013. Grier is a smooth and accurate passer who mostly played out of the shotgun against man defenses during his college career. Starting out at Florida before red-shirting and moving to WVU, Grier steadily improved throughout his college career. Grier excels at short to mid range passes, and also showed an ability to throw to open spots downfield and make off the shoulder throws. He's got excellent pocket awareness, and good ability to evade the rush, showing accuracy on the run. Grier is sometimes criticized for poor accuracy when his footwork and mechanics break down, but this is true for most QBs. Grier is a very confident QB, a free lancer willing to take risks and attempt to fit the ball into tight windows. He showed at the college level that he is willing to release balls well before WRs have come out of breaks which bodes well for his NFL prospects. Grier played most frequently out of the shotgun and will have to demonstrate he can be effective under center. Grier was busted at Florida for use of a performance enhancing drug, but has since had no issues. Grier is known as a passionate and vocal locker room leader. Arm strength is only average.
Ryan Finley
Height: 6' 4"
Weight: 210 lbs
Career Passing Yards (3.5 seasons): 11,147 (243 yds/game)
Career Completion %: 64.2%
Career Yards/Attempt: 7.6
Career TDs: 63
Career INTs: 30
Career Rushing Yards: 382
Career QB Rating: 138.4
Highlight Reel:
Conventional Wisdom: Finley has good size and strength. While not possessing a rocket arm, he does put good zip on the ball. Accuracy is generally good but has not shown pinpoint ability and perfect ball placement. Footwork is generally slower than most QB prospects. Finley is one of the most experienced college QBs in this draft having played 46 games for Boise State and then NC State, and showed solid improvement each of the past 3 seasons. Some scouts question his ability to consistently read and react to defenses and he frequently threw to his first read or determined who he would throw to pre-snap. Had accuracy dropoffs frequently under pressure. Good pocket awareness but sometimes lacks athleticism and quick feet to escape. Solid throwing mechanics. Finley protects the football well and rarely makes glaring mental errors. Not a risk-taker. More game manager than gunslinger. Might be an ideal WCO QB and many liken him to Alex Smith.
Fight!!
You may already have guessed which of these guys I might prefer. As a former Marine, I believe that fortune favors the bold, and 'no guts, no glory'. The safe bet if these two are your option is to go with Finley. He will complete a ton of short passes, rarely throw a pick, and can be trusted not to lose a game for you. But then there's Grier - who absolutely has that Brett Favre gunslinger mentality. He believes he can make that throw into double-coverage, and he frequently will. He'll take off and create on the run. Sometimes it will work out and sometimes it won't. Grier is a fiery, demonstrative, passionate football player who teammates love. Finley is a solid, reliable, hardworking leader who players will respect.
The more I watch and listen to Will Grier, the more I love him. While the Redskins have shown they can win with Vanilla under center, I want Chunky Monkey. When it comes to Grier and Finley, you probably couldn't find two QBs more different if you tried. One looks the part, a big, strong, careful QB who makes good decisions and won't cost you a game. The other is an over-achieving, gambling, gunslinger who is fearless, but who takes risk you might not always care for.
For me - the Redskins could use a little spice and attitude. For that reason, give me Will Grier.
***Next Up: Jarrett Stidham vs. Tyree Jackson***
WARNING: Readers of the QB Battle Threads should embrace predictions with caution, as the creators of this feature may be wrong, misguided, or generally way off base. The author retains the right to totally deny such predictions, delete embarrassing content, or otherwise reject responsibility for statements that prove to be stupid, errant, or humiliating.
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