Graham Harrell was one of the most successful quarterbacks in college football over the past couple of years, yet nobody has offered the un-drafted rookie a contract. After attending Browns camp and leaving without a contract, NFL teams should be lining up to offer this kid a chance to be a part of their organization. One team that jumps to the front of my list, for obvious reason, is the New England Patriots. With Brady on the mend, and long time backup Matt Cassel in Kansas City, Kevin O'Connell and Matt Gutierrez do not seem like a full time replacement core if something were to happen to Brady, God forbid. While most would argue that throwing another rookie into the mix is not the best option, what Harrell brings to the table is an accurate passing arm and the poise and composure in the pocket that most experiences passers lack. After two seasons of airing it out to Crabtree and breaking all sorts of records, could you imagine what the upgrade to players like Moss and Welker would do to his numbers? Having a backup quarterback who can throw solid medium to deep routes is a weapon that most teams wish they could have, and Harrell provides a team with just that. And after watching him play last season, there was only one person who he reminded me of as he sat back there in the pocket so calm and collected; any guess as to who? Tom Brady.
Sure Harrell lacks some of the size that an ideal NFL quarterback possess, but I'm not lobbying to make him a starter. He has probably the best backup potential of any quarterback coming out of this year's draft, and the fact that he went un-drafted surprises me even more. Teams that have solid receivers but no depth at quarterback should have already approached Harrell with contracts in hand. Teams like Dallas, Seattle, Cincinnati, Chicago, Oakland, Buffalo, Washington, Minnesota (pending their ensuing Brett Favre fiasco), Green Bay, the list goes on. Teams that could use some stability and depth at the quarterback position who have at least one deep target to offer. Poise at the next level is the ideal trait to go with a solid arm...that's Harrell, which is why his unemployment boggles me. He got the job done on the big stage (well, college's big stage) and his poise and experience throwing the ball should have teams lining up to sign him. I guess that's what I don't understand.