Texans Draft Late Round QB Graham Mertz

By Shane Hallam | Updated on Sat, Apr 26 2025 8:44 PM UTC

The Houston Texans traded up to select Florida QB Graham Mertz at pick 197 in Round 6 of the NFL Draft. Mertz started his career at Wisconsin and ended his career at Florida. Injuries cut his final season short, but he has a solid 2023 showing good arm strength and leadership. He actually had the highest 2024 completion percentage among the 15 Combine QBs at 76.6%. He also had the highest adjusted completion percentage at 82.4%. On the flip side, he had the third worst PFF Passing Grade for 2024 at 75.4. Mertz is a back-up at best.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Mertz has a shot to make the Houston Texans, competing with UDFA Keon Slovis for the third QB spot behind C.J. Stroud and Davis Mills.

Mertz is accurate, but consistently threw shorter passes, propping up his completion percentage.

He doesn't offer much athleticisim, and has had some awful decision making at times.

He isn't worth a fantasy roster spot in any type of league, especially in redraft.

If Mertz has to start for the Texans, it is unlikely to go well for their weapons.

Dynasty Impact

Davis Mills is locked into the back-up role in the future.

Mertz will be a developmental third QB, not even giving him much of a shot to make a fantasy impact in Sueprflex leagues.

Mertz is a pass.

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.