Graham Mertz’s ACL injury has cast uncertainty over his NFL aspirations, yet his mindset and determination set him apart as a player who won’t back down easily
With a range of options at his disposal, Mertz’s journey is far from over. Whether he declares for the draft, returns for another college season, or joins the league as an undrafted free agent, his journey will be one to watch closely.
The story of Graham Mertz serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges and unpredictability of an athlete’s career.
The question of whether Mertz is worth a fifth-round pick depends on how NFL teams view his strengths and potential in light of his injury.
His pre-injury performance suggests a high football IQ and solid passing ability, both valued in the league.
However, the ACL injury raises concerns about his mobility, a factor already viewed as a weakness.
Teams willing to take a chance on Mertz in the fifth round may view him as a low-risk option with potential upside.
If he can return to form post-injury and demonstrate improved physical fitness, he could eventually find a stable role as a backup quarterback in the NFL. For Mertz, the draft will be just the beginning of a challenging journey, one that will demand resilience and adaptability as he seeks to make his mark in professional football.
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Graham Mertz’s Response on His Injury
A Test of Resilience and Determination
Following his diagnosis, Mertz appeared on Paul Finebaum’s show to discuss his thoughts on the injury.1
He expressed his intent to keep a positive attitude, stating, “We’re going to get this thing fixed up, and we’re going to attack it.”
Mertz made it clear that despite the adversity, he remains committed to the grind, refusing to succumb to a “woe is me” mentality.
His approach to the injury reveals a maturity and mental strength that will be valuable as he works to rehabilitate and prepare for potential NFL opportunities.
Teams value resilience, and Mertz’s public response to this setback may even help to bolster his reputation as a tenacious competitor.
How Mertz’s Injury Affects His NFL Draft Stock?
Before his injury, Mertz was generally expected to go somewhere in the mid-to-late rounds of the NFL Draft.
Although he has displayed a promising arm, field awareness, and leadership, scouts have noted that Mertz’s overall consistency is a question mark.
The injury now complicates things even further. While he still has the skillset, teams will be hesitant to invest heavily in a quarterback coming off an ACL tear.
- Medical Concerns: NFL teams conduct thorough medical evaluations of potential draftees, and a major knee injury often raises red flags. Although ACL injuries are more recoverable than they once were, some teams may still perceive Mertz as a risk.
- Missed Opportunities for Scouting: NFL teams rely on senior-year performance, postseason showcases, and draft combines to evaluate players’ abilities. With Mertz unable to participate in these events, scouts will have limited, older footage to assess, which may reduce their confidence in him as a draft pick.
- Draft Position Uncertainty: Previously projected as a mid-round pick, Mertz now risks slipping to the later rounds or even being overlooked entirely. He may be seen as a low-risk, high-reward selection in the seventh round, or he may need to pursue the NFL as an undrafted free agent.
Possible Paths Forward for Graham Mertz
Despite the odds, Mertz has a few strategic options he can explore to maximize his chances of achieving his NFL dream.
1. Embrace a Full Rehabilitation and Return for the Draft
Mertz could work diligently on his recovery, aiming to be back in peak form by the draft. While he may not be able to participate fully in pre-draft workouts, he could still impress scouts during interviews and potentially at private workouts closer to the draft date.
In doing so, he could show that he’s on the road to recovery and still retains the skills he displayed pre-injury.
2. Apply for a Medical Redshirt and Return to College Football
Another route would be for Mertz to petition the NCAA for a medical redshirt, which would grant him an extra year of college eligibility.
If granted, Mertz could return to the Gators for one more season, showcasing his skills and leading the team in 2025. A successful, injury-free season would likely boost his draft stock significantly.
3. Prepare for a Potential Undrafted Route to the NFL
Should Mertz go undrafted, he could still aim for the NFL by entering as an undrafted free agent. Although this route is challenging and lacks the security of being a draft pick, some quarterbacks have forged successful careers by entering the NFL in this way.
Mertz would have the chance to attend training camps, prove his worth, and possibly earn a spot on a team roster.
Could a Medical Redshirt Year Make Mertz an Even More Attractive Prospect?
If Mertz opts for a medical redshirt and returns for another college season, the decision could turn out to be beneficial. A successful comeback year would allow him to demonstrate his full range of abilities in a high-stakes environment.
Additionally, an extra year in college would give him time to build on his skills and football IQ, potentially leading to a higher draft position.
Many players have improved their draft prospects by returning to college after injuries. If Mertz does the same, he would have the chance to work on any identified weaknesses, prove his resilience, and establish himself as a solid draft pick.
Graham Mertz’s 2025 NFL Draft Projection
Examining the Impact of His Injury
Graham Mertz, the Florida Gators’ quarterback, has been on the radar of NFL scouts since his standout high school days and early college performances at Wisconsin.2
Originally projected as a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Mertz’s trajectory has been affected by a season-ending injury, specifically an ACL issue.
This injury has shifted his expected draft position, with many analysts now forecasting him to be a fifth-round pick.
In this article, we’ll break down the various factors influencing Mertz’s draft outlook, his strengths and weaknesses, and the potential outcomes for his NFL career.
Corenda’s home dedication yesterday was amazing! This is why we do it, for moments like this! Want to help build more? Support at https://t.co/kVR0267k9G @FL_Victorious #FVFoundation 🐊 pic.twitter.com/URDfQfQr7z
— Graham Mertz (@GrahamMertz5) October 22, 2024
Pre-Injury Projections: The Path to the Third Round
Before his ACL injury, Mertz was widely projected as a solid third-round draft pick. His progress at Florida, combined with his experience at Wisconsin, helped raise his profile among NFL scouts.
Known for his strong arm, leadership, and poise in high-pressure situations, Mertz demonstrated the potential to succeed in professional football.
His pocket presence and reading of defenses were seen as valuable assets, likely making him a fit for an NFL team in need of a capable backup with potential to develop further.
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Graham Mertz: Recovery and Rehabilitation
The Path Back from an ACL Injury
Recovering from an ACL injury is challenging, particularly for a quarterback whose athleticism is already in question.3
Mertz’s rehabilitation process will likely include months of physical therapy focused on restoring strength, flexibility, and agility in his knee. To regain full confidence in his abilities, he’ll need to work on mobility and physical conditioning.
The way he approaches his recovery could also impact his draft stock. A successful recovery demonstrating improved agility or conditioning could help him regain some of his original draft projection. However, if he struggles to regain full strength, his stock could drop further.
The Fifth Round: Realistic Expectations for Mertz’s Draft Position
Dropping to the fifth round places Mertz in a different category of NFL prospects. Fifth-round picks are often seen as developmental players who have potential but require coaching to reach their ceiling.
Mertz, if drafted in this range, would likely face stiff competition for a roster spot and could start his NFL journey as a practice squad player or third-string quarterback.
In this position, he would need to demonstrate significant improvement during training camps and preseason to secure a more stable role.
Teams will want to see growth in his physical capabilities as well as his football knowledge, and Mertz’s dedication to overcoming his limitations could play a decisive role.
Graham Mertz’s College Football Journey
Since entering college football, Graham Mertz has garnered attention for his quarterback abilities, playing for both the Wisconsin Badgers and Florida Gators.
Known for his passing strength and ability to stand strong in the pocket, Mertz’s stats reflect a mix of growth and areas for improvement.
Below, we explore his career trajectory, standout seasons, and key areas where he has both excelled and faced challenges.
When Mertz joined the Wisconsin Badgers, expectations were high. A four-star recruit, he brought excitement to the program.
Over his four seasons with the Badgers, Mertz showed promise but struggled to consistently deliver top-tier performances, as shown in his early career stats. While he managed significant yardage, interception rates and sacks hampered his impact.
Passing Statistics: A Quarterback Built for the Air Game
Mertz is primarily a pocket passer, and his stats reflect a preference for the air game over rushing. Throughout his career, he passed for an impressive 9,099 yards with 64 touchdowns.
However, these accomplishments also came with 31 interceptions, reflecting both his risk-taking approach and areas for improvement in accuracy and decision-making under pressure.
2023: A Breakout Season with the Florida Gators
The 2023 season was a turning point for Mertz. Transitioning to the Florida Gators, he posted career-best numbers, including 2,903 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
Despite the high sack rate, Mertz’s low interception count indicated growth in his ability to protect the ball and make more cautious throws, signaling a maturation in his gameplay.
Graham Mertz: Yardage Achievements
Climbing the Ladder in Career Passing Yards
With a career total of 9,099 passing yards, Mertz has achieved impressive yardage, placing him as a formidable quarterback in college football.
His 2023 season alone accounted for nearly a third of this total, showcasing how his transition to the Gators allowed him to refine his skills, target downfield with greater precision, and reach receivers in high-pressure situations.
Touchdown-to-Interception Ratio: Measuring Progress in Efficiency
One of the defining stats for any quarterback is the touchdown-to-interception ratio. Mertz’s career 64 touchdowns to 31 interceptions suggest a moderate balance.
However, his 2023 season was particularly efficient, with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of nearly 7:1. This improvement reflects a positive adjustment in his game, emphasizing smarter passing decisions.
Graham Mertz: Promotion
Graham Mertz promoting Jlab’s electronic products and Jlab tagged him on a reel where he advertised for them.
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Sacks Taken: A Challenge with Pass Protection
A notable statistic for Mertz is the 84 career sacks he has endured, including a career-high 31 sacks in 2023. This stat raises questions about his ability to evade pressure and the offensive line’s protection.
Although he has a strong arm and can make throws under pressure, the high sack rate demonstrates a vulnerability against blitz-heavy defenses that may affect his future performance.
Lack of Mobility: A Limited Rushing Game
Mertz’s rushing stats—minus 40 yards over his career—reveal a clear limitation in his mobility. Unlike dual-threat quarterbacks, Mertz is less inclined to scramble or make plays with his legs.
While his role as a traditional pocket passer suits many offensive schemes, this lack of mobility can make him a target for blitzes and limit offensive flexibility.
Despite the challenges, Mertz’s strengths lie in his solid pocket presence and his ability to stay composed under pressure.
He excels in making consistent short to medium-range passes, moving the chains, and executing on third-down situations. His 2023 stats highlight his growth in this area, especially with career highs in touchdowns and yardage.
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