The Packers have signed former Texas Tech QB Graham Harrell and released QB Chris Pizzotti (Harvard). Harrell currently ranks second on the all-time NCAA FBS (formerly Div 1-A) passing yards list with 15,793 yards, while topping the all-time passing TDs list with 134. Despite his vast amount of success at the collegiate level NFL teams had little interest in him, going undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft. The Cleveland Browns invited Harrell to their rookie camp but ultimately did not sign him. He caught on with the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the CFL for the 2009 season, but saw no action and was released this April. He was reportedly joining the coaching staff at Oklahoma State in January, but did not pan out apparently.
The son of one of the highest paid H.S. football coaches in Texas at one point, Sam Harrell, Graham learned to be an extremely efficient passer in the spread offense. Harrell does a nice job working through his reads and can accurately place the ball into his receivers’ hands, but tends to struggle when pressure arises. His arm is underrated, but is still won’t wow anyone. He is strictly a pocket passer with limited mobility. At 6’2”, 215lbs he possesses just average size for an NFL QB. Texas Tech’s Mike Leach-era QBs have had little success in the NFL, making the outlook for Harrell very dim.
Clearly the Packers are looking for some insurance in case Aaron Rodgers goes down and backup Matt Flynn can’t produce. Flynn hasn’t shown any glimpses that he would be able to step in and so. Either way, the Packers will need a number three QB on the roster. Harrell will compete with undrafted free agent signee Noah Shepard for the spot.
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