Will Grier: A+ at 100 per USA Today

[top dawg]

Let's get right to the point, as did Tim Weaver at USA Today's Pantherswire:

"Panthers’ third-round pick Will Grier may or may not turn out to be a quality starting quarterback in the NFL some day. We do know that getting him with the No. 100 pick is a steal given his value."

And what was the astute observation that led Weaver and company make such a seemingly bold statement?

"Over an hour before Grier was taken off the board, Pro Football Focus had him ranked as the best player still available."

Now of course some of you hate PFF, I know, but advanced metrics are advanced metrics, and PFF is rarely off with their numbers (even if you hate a conclusion that they appear to draw at times), but even PFF gives context:

"Tape lies. Numbers lie.

"Both are true, though at PFF, quantifying the tape is our approach to gathering the biggest sample size possible in player evaluation. Especially with quarterbacks, the play-by-play evaluation is crucial, and then it’s all about diving into the PFF database to find the proper context for the player’s grade.

"West Virginia QB Will Grier is one of the most polarizing prospects in the draft; the numbers love his game, but those more reliant on the eye test are not convinced he’s an NFL starter. I can see both sides of the argument as Grier’s numbers have been excellent over the last two seasons and he’s excelled in the right areas on a snap-to-snap basis, moving the chains with accurate passes down the field. However, it doesn’t always look pretty for Grier, who will flutter passes and look completely confused on certain plays, all while playing in the Big 12 where defenses provide easier passing windows than he’s likely to see at the next level."

https://www.profootballfocus.com/news/draft-the-advanced-numbers-suggest-will-grier-may-be-the-steal-of-the-2019-nfl-draft

Now even with some criticism of the "polarizing" Grier, PFF still had him ranked higher than most of the safe---err, players that some Huddlers were thinking that we should have taken. And, interestingly enough, Weaver advised that Draft Wire's Luke Easterling flat out said that Grier was the better QB than one of the ones taken a couple of rounds earlier [**cough cough**]:

 

“Daniel Jones went No. 6 overall, but the Panthers get a better quarterback nearly 100 picks later. Grier has all the tools to be a successful starter at the next level, and he’ll get to come along slowly behind Cam Newton.”

https://pantherswire.usatoday.com/2019/04/27/2019-nfl-draft-panthers-will-grier-grade-draft-wire/

So, there you have it. Grier was an excellent value pick. He has some traits per PFF that some should absolutely covet at the next level (the Turners obviously do), and Grier should have time to work on the things that he needs to improve upon while sitting behind Cam Newton. He is an absolutely better prospect than the two UDFAs that we had because part of his traits are elite (whether some Huddlers want to admit it or not, or were even aware of it), and there is a lot to work with, even if there is a lot to work on, but you can say that about all draftees. If some of these analysts and writers are correct, it's no wonder why Hurney and company didn't pass on him. BPA beat out need by a seemingly marked margin, but it's easily arguable that backup QB was the greater need. The value was there, however you want to slice it.

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And, lastly, as an aside, it may not speak to much, but it appears that Mr. Scot and I kind of support the pick (or at least can see the sense of it). Not saying that we never agree on anything---because we actually do at times---but at least a piece of Hell...maybe west Hell...is freezing over. I would say that that may just bode well for the Grier pick...

[Daddy_Uncle]

I loved the pick. Didn't understand the outrage. Then again we have outrage over every pick every year so whaver

[pantherclaw]

There is a lot to like about Grier. 

And if we have to depend on somebody other than Cam, we needed better competition, and now we have that. 

I like the pick, especially where we were able to get him. 

[mav1234]

I was worried we were going to take him in the 2nd based on some reports.  I don't mind him at 100. Coaches see something more than I do but I'm no professional.

[Woodie]

53 minutes ago, pantherclaw said:

There is a lot to like about Grier. 

And if we have to depend on somebody other than Cam, we needed better competition, and now we have that. 

I like the pick, especially where we were able to get him. 

Absolutely!  And with us having so many offensive weapons that have explosive run after the catch ability, he could be deadly here.  He has great short to intermediate accuracy and ball placement.  IMO, he is a perfect fit with DJ's, Samuels, and especially CMC's skill set.  For the first time in a long time, I feel we have someone that can actually win some games if Cam is out for a couple of weeks (and maybe even longer if he needs to).

[Mistuh Jones]

I actually like it. Picture Cam writhing on the ground. We have 10 games left. You okay with rolling Allen or heinicke over will grier? You're an idiot. Case closed. Something degenerative pops up with Cam we already straight without scrambling or giving up assets

[JawnyBlaze]

So we got someone to sack the quarterback, someone to protect the quarterback, and a backup quarterback. I’m good with this strategy. 

[ladypanther]

I too like the pick.  Grier is in a good place with the Turner's coaching him. We needed a quality backup for Cam.

May also be good for Cam...sounds like he has known for sometime that the Panthers would address the position and has motivated him.  Win win.

Also, most of all...I like that Hurney did not trade up to get him.  Don't mind the trade up for Little.  HurneyII seems to be who he said he is...someone who learned for his earlier mistakes.

[Shocker]

I could see Cam messing with this dude  mercilessly.   Hope Will is thick skinned. 

[Mr. Scot]

You're completely wrong.

It was East Hell.

[MHS831]

There are a lot of reasons to "waste" a third round comp pick on a potential NFL starting QB.  Some will hurt some feelings, but try to look at the situation objectively.

1. Cam has been a running QB for almost a decade and is showing the signs of the battle.  That means nothing more than was stated, but what are the options: 1.  Have him run less (take away the option) and throw from the pocket--is his accuracy elite?  2. Have him do his thing until he can't.  RBs peak at 28 and hit the wall around 30.  Will that apply to Cam?

2.  The QB position is changing in the NFL more than any other position.  It happens, but Russell Wilson is the highest paid player and the last two #1 draft picks are midgets (short people).  Big Ben, Cam, and Flacco--are they the last of a dying breed?  Just spitballing.

3.  If Cam remains here, his agent will demand somewhere in the $35-40m range.  If he is not running as much, not throwing deep passes, and his accuracy is below average, do you pay him over $2m per game? 

4.  Grier does not have the arm strength, but is he better suited for the personnel we have?  He is accurate throwing deep and very smart.  Can he run a short passing offense too?  If so, does his short accuracy/decision-making and deep accuracy make him a better, cheaper option than Cam?  Remember, these are questions that the brass will be considering--not us.  You can wave the Cam banner long and hard, but if we pay close to $39m for a QB, we better have a good one. 

Tepper could be behind this more than we know.  He is the one writing the checks.  We need an option entering contract negotiations with Cam or we just hand him the checkbook.  No other third round pick gives the Panthers long-term options like Grier.  It is a business, after all.

Not to be misinterpreted, but I am a realist.  I consider all angles. Not trying to make anyone mad--

[Paa Langfart]

If nothing else, I think by the end of preseason we will see that even as a rookie, Grier makes a much better back up than either the outstanding Allen or the on the precipice of greatness Heinicke.

[Ivan The Awesome]

There is no reason to not like this pick. 

[BrianS]

4 hours ago, mav1234 said:

I was worried we were going to take him in the 2nd based on some reports.  I don't mind him at 100. Coaches see something more than I do but I'm no professional.

Same.  I was worried we were going to take him in the second.  Getting him where we got him is perfect, and good value.  If he turns into a starting QB he will easily be the steal of the entire draft for any team.