Coastal Carolina signal-caller Grayson McCall is an intriguing name to watch for the 2022 NFL Draft.
When you think of the NFL Draft, it’s not often that Coastal Carolina comes to mind. They’ve had just seven players drafted since 2007, the most notable of them being Josh Norman and Jerome Simpson. Recently, there’s been a bit of momentum with the Chanticleers and draftees. Tarron Jackson was drafted this past April, and there’s a chance we see a few more get drafted. Tight end Isaiah Likely could be one, and if he declares, there’s a chance quarterback Grayson McCall does as well.
Grayson McCall is in just his third season with Coastal Carolina and his second as the full-time starter. In 11 games in 2020, McCall completed 68.8 percent of his passes for 2,488 yards and 26 touchdowns to just three interceptions, and 2021 has been even better. He’s on pace to set the record for passing efficiency this season, is averaging 13.6 yards per attempt, and has just one interception entering tonight against Appalachian State. The numbers are gaudy, but how is the film?
McCall’s film is extremely fun, as the title of this article states. He can play well within structure and deliver the football accurately and on time. His placement to give receivers a chance after the catch is impressive, and he has impressive placement downfield into tight window bucket throws. His touch is impressive as well.
When pressure comes and chaos abounds in the pocket, McCall thrives. This isn’t to say that he’s perfect, as happy feet tends to happen for him, but he can maneuver through the junk and hang in to make good throws with defenders in his face. Schoolyard ball comes easy to him, as jump passes and throws off-platform become second nature for him.
So are the traits enough for an early-ish selection in the 2022 NFL Draft? It doesn’t feel like it right now. The arm strength isn’t there, and he doesn’t generate a ton of velocity. He hangs his hat on placement down the field, but things might balloon too much against NFL speed. His processing needs to improve a bit in structure and under pressure.
Still, Grayson McCall is a ton of fun and worth monitoring in what appears to be a rougher QB class than in recent memory. He could declare early, but another year might suit him best. Still, what he’s doing for the Chanticleers is impressive, and anything can happen with the 2022 NFL Draft at quarterback.