Graham Mertz completed his college football career facing questions about his NFL potential, marked by both improved performance and significant injuries during his time at Florida. As the 2025 NFL Draft unfolded, opinions on his prospects varied among league personnel.
Mertz spent two seasons as the Gators' starting quarterback after transferring from Wisconsin. His performance in Gainesville showed notable progress, particularly in accuracy and decision-making.
In 2023, Mertz achieved program records for completion percentage in a season (72.9%) and consecutive passes without an interception (239). He finished the year with 2,903 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and only three interceptions over 11 games before suffering a broken collarbone.
His final college season in 2024 was cut short by injuries. After sustaining a concussion in the opener, he later tore his ACL in Week 7 against Tennessee. This followed multiple starts and attempts to build on his previous year's success.
Despite the injury history, Mertz demonstrated his recovery by throwing at Florida’s Pro Day in late March, approximately five months after his knee surgery. He participated in positional drills at the NFL Combine as well.
NFL Network Insider Tom Pelissero, after speaking with executives, scouts, and coaches, ranked Mertz as the No. 14 QB in the draft class. Several NFL coaches provided assessments, noting his prior recruitment status and some positive play on tape.
An AFC coordinator suggested Mertz has a chance to be drafted due to his background and demonstrated skills, attributing past inconsistencies to challenging circumstances. An NFC assistant coach highlighted Mertz's toughness, referencing his ability to lead a scoring drive after tearing his ACL.
Another NFC quarterbacks coach found Mertz impressive but acknowledged the injury history, adding that Florida staff spoke highly of the player. An AFC quarterbacks coach called him "worth taking a flier on," describing him as a solid quarterback with limited athletic traits who played well before getting injured.
Mertz compiled 48 starts over five college seasons, totaling 9,099 passing yards and 64 touchdowns with 31 interceptions, along with 13 rushing touchdowns. His experience includes quarterbacking offenses at both Wisconsin and Florida, facing different schemes in the Big Ten and SEC.
Former Gators quarterback Shane Matthews, who spent 14 seasons in the NFL primarily as a backup, stated that Mertz possesses a strong football IQ and understanding of offenses. Matthews believes Mertz can have a multi-year career in the league as a backup due to his work ethic and ability to quickly learn playbooks.
Graham Mertz was also recognized off the field, receiving the 2024 GatorMade Danny Wuerffel Man of the Year award for representing the program's standards. He expressed that his experience at Florida provided him with a renewed perspective, emphasizing the fulfillment found in serving others.
Florida Head Coach Billy Napier praised Mertz at the Gators Pro Day, calling him one of his favorite players coached. Napier described Mertz as a high-value player who brings experience, production, and leadership, believing he is capable of potentially becoming a starter in the NFL.
