INDIANAPOLIS, IN – MARCH 02: Quarterback Will Grier of West Virginia works out during day three of the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
Former West Virginia quarterback Will Grier is expected to meet with several teams before the 2019 NFL Draft. The Patriots are among those teams.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Thursday that New England is among at least 10 clubs expected to hold formal meetings with Grier before the draft. He also mentions the Saints, Chargers, Redskins, and Giants.
An NFL scout described Grier as a “riser” who “put on a show” for those in attendance at West Virginia’s Pro Day on Thursday. The NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala reported that Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio attended, along with representatives from the other 31 teams.
Lance Zierlein’s draft profile on Grier at NFL.com suggests he will be a backup at the highest level long-term. Zierlein succinctly described Grier as an aggressive passer with unimpressive physical traits: “His lack of plus arm talent and release quickness might not match his gunslinger mentality against an NFL secondary.”
Will Grier with the pump fake and throw to David Sills. pic.twitter.com/Wh117VXxOm
— Patrick Kotnik (@PatrickKotnik) March 21, 2019
Former West Virginia wide receiver David Sills might also be of interest to the Patriots. He brings good size to the table (6-foot-3, 211 pounds) as well as big red zone potential and the ball skills to make big plays down the field. But as a converted quarterback – sound familiar? – Sills may be too much of a project to get picked before the later rounds.
Grier told reporters at the Combine that he and West Virginia offensive coordinator Jake Spatival watched a lot of Patriots tape as a model for their own offense.
“We would see stuff and we’re gonna do that,” Grier said. “We watched a lot of Tom Brady film. The opportunity to learn
from a guy like that would obviously be priceless.”
Both Sills and Grier should be firmly on the minds of those following the Patriots before the draft.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at matthew.dolloff@bbgi.com.