Social Media Reacts to Texans Drafting Florida Gators QB Graham Mertz

Mertz is the second quarterback of the Billy Napier Era to be selected in the NFL Draft.

Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz (15) looks to throw during the first half against the Georgia Bulldogs at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, FL on Saturday, October 28, 2023. [Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun] | Matt Pendleton/Gainesville Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK

Just two picks ahead of where Tom Brady was drafted in 2000, the Houston Texans made Florida Gators quarterback Graham Mertz the 10th quarterback and fifth of seven former UF players drafted in the 2025 NFL draft at pick 197.

Mertz, a Wisconsin transfer, threw for 9,095 yards and 64 touchdowns in six years at the collegiate level. During his last season at Florida, his season was cut short due to a torn ACL.

He now heads to the Texans after Houston traded up to select him. He will battle with Davis Mills for the backup quarterback spot behind CJ Stroud.

After a strong career resurgence at Florida followed by a devastating injury, his selection sent social media wild.

Congrats Graham! @GrahamMertz5 will be heading to the @HoustonTexans!#NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/OBLgs2Vvaa

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) April 26, 2025

GATOR BOYS STAY HOT 🔥🐊 pic.twitter.com/DQ25l4bYFI

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 26, 2025

Houston is an awesome spot for Graham Mertz. Texans are getting a consummate leader who will give it his all and be loved in the locker room. His two years in Gainesville were impactful, and will continue to pay dividends as DJ Lagway's career continues.

— Graham Hall (@GrahamHall) April 26, 2025

The #Texans traded up to No. 197 to draft former Wisconsin and Florida QB Graham Mertz — a player who won a lot of fans as coaches dug into his college tape.https://t.co/MYtjYNYveu pic.twitter.com/xZSGEavWst

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 26, 2025

Finally announced pick 197, Graham Mertz is going to the Houston Texans. Big cheer here for the former Badgers QB pic.twitter.com/KDZfuPEbIA

— Eric Fischer (@BigEOnAirWI) April 26, 2025

Graham Mertz going ahead of Quinn Ewers is hillarious.

— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) April 26, 2025

Let’s go @GrahamMertz5 !!! 🐊🤠 https://t.co/KLuWhW0doB

— RYAN O'HARA (@CoachRyanO) April 26, 2025

So excited to watch your journey in the NFL @GrahamMertz5 !!!
🐊📈 #GoGators https://t.co/yv8U6Gs7ED

— RYAN O'HARA (@CoachRyanO) April 26, 2025

QB Graham Mertz gets drafted by the Texans. He looked fully healthy throwing at his Pro Day. It’s hard to put into words his contribution to the Florida program. 🐊 @GatorsFB | @HoustonTexans pic.twitter.com/QUB1IawweM

— COACH KURT NAPIER (@NapierKurt) April 26, 2025

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 https://t.co/pp3XxTfOLI

— Steven Harris #93 (@FAMOGANG365) April 26, 2025

Born ready 😤 pic.twitter.com/Mm0qcymTnH

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) April 26, 2025