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6 Reasons Why QB Garrett Grayson Should Be Picked Early In The NFL Draft

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - It's expected that Oregon's Marcus Mariota and Florida State's Jameis Winston will be the first two quarterbacks taken in this year's NFL Draft, but a Colorado quarterback might be right behind them.

Garrett Grayson had a fantastic college career with the CSU Rams, and some analysts have him high up in their mock drafts.

Garrett Grayson
Garrett Grayson during his pro day in Fort Collins last month. (credit: CBS)

Mel Kiper has praised Grayson's potential, saying he "maybe has a chance to be worthy" of being a first rounder when the draft takes place in two weeks. And Jon Gruden called him "a dark horse in this class."

Here are six reasons why NFL teams need to give Grayson a good, hard look:

1. He's got the size, skill

At 6-foot-2 and 214 pounds, Grayson is compact. His arm length is 30 inches. He's accurate, has a good touch and wouldn't need to change much with the mechanics of his throw.

2. He's a fiery competitor

During his pro day workout, Grayson said he's aware he's being considered as possibly the third quarterback to get drafted, but really he feels like he's fighting to be the No. 1. The Loveland Reporter-Herald quoted him as saying "I remember my parents telling me when I was real young, there is always somebody working harder than you, no matter what you're doing. That's always been in the back of my mind to work as hard as I possibly can, no matter what I'm doing."

New Mexico v Colorado State
Quarterback Garrett Grayson #18 of the Colorado State Rams delivers a pass against linebacker Ryan Langford #20 of the New Mexico Lobos on November 22, 2014 in Fort Collins, Colorado. Colorado State defeated New Mexico 58-20. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

3. He's played in a pro-style system

Former Rams head coach Jim McElwain inserted Grayson into his system and he flourished. Grayson wasn't like many college QBs who specialize at running the option. At CSU he showed he can shine from the pocket and can be successful throwing from the shotgun.

4. He's smart

Grayson was given the option to read defenses and call audibles for the Rams, and he evolved as a starter, throwing fewer and fewer interceptions.

5. He's got a nose for the endzone

Grayson threw 64 touchdowns during his time as quarterback for the Rams, including 32 in his senior year. His instinct for finding the open man in the red zone is top notch.

6. He's got charisma and leadership skills

As the starter for the Rams in his junior and senior year, Grayson confidently led the Rams to two bowl games. And as for charisma? Just watch the YouTube video below, where he talks humbly about not being able to participate in the NFL Combine due to a hamstring injury:

Combine Coverage: QB Garrett Grayson by Buffalo Bills (Fan Channel) on YouTube

The 2015 NFL Draft takes place on April 30, May 1 and May 2.

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