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While the fan debate over Nick Foles continues, the Eagles are working behind the scenes to improve their quarterback situation. Philadelphia has an interesting dilemma at the quarterback position, as Foles is in a contract year and is coming off a rough 2014. Perhaps, for the Eagles, it's worth hedging their bets with a young prospect behind the now-veteran Foles.
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If the team decides to pass on dealing "the house" for Marcus Mariota, the Eagles could look into grabbing a passer in the second or third round. Colorado State's Garrett Grayson may be the Eagles best option on Day 2.
College Career
A native of Vancouver, Wash., Grayson was recruited by the likes of Notre Dame, Oregon, Tennessee and several other schools. He ended up enrolling at Colorado State in 2011. He ended up playing in four games as a true freshman and completed 43-of-77 passes (55.8%) for 542 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions. As a sophomore, he played in six games and completed 78-of-138 passes (56.5%) for 946 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
He became the full-time starter at quarterback in 2013 as a junior. During the season, he completed 297-of-478 passes (62.1%) for 3,696 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games (all starts). As a senior, Grayson started all 13 games for the Rams. He completed 270-of-420 throws (64.3%) for 4,006 passing yards, 32 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
He was invited to and played in the Senior Bowl, where he received praise for being the best quarterback during practices.
Combine Results
Grayson sat out of the Combine workouts due to a hamstring injury.
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 213 lbs.
Arm Length: 30"
Hands: 10"
Strengths
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Grayson is a West Coast-style quarterback who is good at setting up long gains off intermediate throws. Accurate and comfortable in the pocket, Grayson has good field vision. He uses good footwork and can make a variety of throws. He has touch on his throws and puts good placement on his passes. He has a decent long ball. Grayson has a lot of experience in the read option and has solid pocket mobility.
Weaknesses
Grayson has trouble throwing on the move and isn't extremely quick. He takes a lot of sacks and sometimes holds on to the ball too long while letting a play develop. He has a wide motion that leads to an inconsistent speed on his passes and he needs to do a better job of stepping up in the pocket.
Eagles Outlook
The Eagles have a lot of decisions to make at quarterback. Mark Sanchez is a free agent, Foles is in a contract year and Matt Barkley seems poised to be a middling backup at this point. If the Eagles let Sanchez walk, the team needs to create serious competition for Foles. If the Eagles don't think they can acquire Mariota for the right price, they may opt to hold off and draft a player like Grayson. He could go as early as Philadelphia's second round pick.