Oakland Raiders Formally Interviewed QB Garrett Grayson

Nov 28, 2014; Colorado Springs, CO, USA; Colorado State Rams quarterback Garrett Grayson (18) passes in the first quarter against the Air Force Falcons at Falcon Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

It appears on paper as if the Oakland Raiders have their quarterback position sorted out going into the 2015 NFL Draft. The signing of veteran backup Christian Ponder rounding out the depth chart that already had starter Derek Carr and former UDFA starter Matt McGloin on the roster going into the offseason. Possessing their franchise QB in Carr and two capable backups with starting experience, including the young McGloin, making it seem likely that the team would be out of the market at the position come the 2015 NFL Draft.

More from Las Vegas Raiders Draft

However according to a recent feature in The Denver Post, the Raiders interviewed at least one quarterback since the draft process began, indicating that general manager Reggie McKenzie may still have a quarterback prospect on his board come the weekend of the 2015 Draft.

Post columnist Troy Renck published a profile on Colorado State prospect Garrett Grayson, considered one of the sleepers in the draft at quarterback, and the Raiders were identified as one of the several NFL teams that conducted formal interviews with the player. A shock considering the lack of need for a rookie quarterback in Oakland with two young passers who have one and two NFL seasons under their belts respectively.

From the Post:

"Since his college career ended, Grayson has excelled in formal interviews with the Philadelphia Eagles, Oakland Raiders and St. Louis Rams. He nailed exams at the scouting combine and in private sessions last month with the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins. He continues to create buzz in scouting circles, ranked by some as the third-best quarterback available in the April 30-May 2 draft, behind Florida State’s Jameis Winston and Oregon’s Marcus Mariota.“I think it’s either Grayson or (Baylor’s) Bryce Petty after those two,” said NFL draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. of ESPN. “Grayson can come in right away and help a team. I think he’s a second-rounder.”"

Even with an interview it is unlikely the Raiders interest in Grayson is overly high, after all the aforementioned three quarterbacks on the roster give McKenzie plenty of reasons to pass on the position unless he is extremely fond of a prospect. Grayson could fit the bill, but there is little upside in McKenzie drafting a player who would have to win the job from Carr after the Raiders gave him all 16 starts as a rookie last season.

Because of the factors involved at quarterback in Oakland don’t expect much more to come of the revelation that Grayson had an interview with the Raiders, but it is interesting to note that the scouting process this offseason has involved contact with at least one passer. Even if the team don’t really need any more youth at an already crowded quarterback position that has three players with starting experience under the age of 28. Grayson is likely to go in Rounds 2-5, but don’t expect him to be landing in Oakland unless McKenzie is in the mood to make a move that would shock many in the Bay Area and NFL circles.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders Draft