Quarterback is always one of the most discussed positions in the NFL, and the 2025 NFL Draft class features some interesting names, one of which is Graham Mertz.
Although he doesn’t carry the same hype as Shedeur Sanders or Cam Ward, Mertz is a player to keep an eye on. Many are wondering where he went to school and how he performed during his high school and college days. Here’s everything to know about the potential NFL prospect and his journey to the draft.
How Tall Is Graham Mertz?
At the NFL Combine, Mertz measured in at exactly 6’3″. For comparison, the average NFL quarterback stands around 6’2″, so Mertz is slightly above average height. The tallest active quarterback in the league is the Jacksonville Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence at 6’6″. The shortest is Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers at 5’10”.
How Much Does Graham Mertz Weigh?
Mertz weighed 212 pounds, slightly below the average for NFL quarterbacks, which is about 220 pounds. The heaviest is Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson, who weighs 244 pounds.
What School Did Mertz Go To?
Mertz spent his first two high school years at Bishop Miege High School in Roeland Park, Kansas, where he played as a backup quarterback. Before his junior year, he transferred to Blue Valley North High School in Overland Park, Kansas. As a senior, he completed 61.1% of his passes for 3,886 yards and set a state record with 51 touchdowns.
Mertz was a finalist in the 2018 Elite 11 quarterback competition and was named the Gatorade Kansas Football Player of the Year. He was also the MVP of the All-American Bowl, where he threw five touchdown passes.
Rated a four-star recruit, Mertz was one of the top pocket passers in the 2019 class. Despite offers from multiple schools, he committed to the University of Wisconsin.
Revisiting Mertz’s College Career
Mertz didn’t have a big start to his college career. He played in just two games during his first year at Wisconsin, completing 90% of his passes for 73 yards and rushing for six touchdowns. Over the next three seasons, he started 32 games, completing 59.3% of his passes for 5,332 yards with 38 touchdowns and 26 interceptions.
In 2023, Mertz transferred to Florida, becoming the Gators’ starting quarterback and leading them to a 5-6 record. He completed 72.9% of his passes that year for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
Mertz returned as the starter in 2024 but played in only five games. He completed 76.6% of his passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions before suffering a season-ending ACL tear against Tennessee.
How Fast Was Mertz’s 40-Yard Dash?
Mertz didn’t participate in on-field drills at the NFL Combine, but he did run a 40-yard dash at his pro day, clocking in at 5.03 seconds.
Mertz’s NFL Draft Outlook
With just days to go until the 2025 NFL Draft, Mertz is graded as a mid-to-late Day 3 prospect. He’s considered a solid developmental backup with distant starting upside.
He has prototypical size, good toughness and arm strength, along with strong off-platform ability and smooth ball skills. However, his athleticism is limited, and his inconsistency in structure, along with issues with field vision and anticipation, often leads him to hold the ball too long.
If not supported by a quick-game system, Mertz can be prone to volatile stretches. Still, he’s a worthwhile addition to a quarterback room and could grow into a dependable backup or spot starter at the NFL level.
