Originally Posted by :
The former all-state pick from Massachusetts played quarterback his junior year at Leominster High School. He started once in 12 appearances as a sophomore (20 receptions, 234 yards, 11.7 average, one touchdown) and also contributed in 13 games as a reserve (five receptions, 37 yards, two touchdowns) his first year in Durham. Gray stepped into the NFL draft spotlight as a junior, garnering second-team All-ACC honors by leading the Blue Devils in receptions and finishing among the top FBS tight ends with 51 catches for 392 yards (7.7 per) and three scores. The 2020 team captain played in 10 games with nine starts as a senior (29 receptions, 285 yards, 9.8 average, two touchdowns), becoming the school's all-time leading receiver at tight end. He accepted an invitation to the Senior Bowl. -- by Chad Reuter
Overview
Gray understands leverage and how to create some tilt in coverage but doesn't have play speed or separation burst to do enough with it. While he's not going to have the size or strength to block defenders when firing off the ball, he has enough athleticism and grit to offer some assistance as a move blocker from the slot or wing position. He has late-round potential and could find a team fit as a TE3/4. Strengths
Team captain.
Helps out in pass protection with decent mirror and technique.
Will stick and sustain as a slot blocker.
Reads the track properly when asked to lead block.
Slick footwork and leverage in his routes.
Ability to run more complex routes underneath.
Spins open suddenly in space against zone.
Sharp angles out of his turns.
Adjustment and focus to bring the throw in.
Weaknesses
Just nine yards per reception during career.
Thin through waist and hips with lean lower body.
Lacks threatening vertical push off the line.
Moves well but doesn't separate much.
Might not have ability to attack the seam.
Lacks agility on the move when working at the second level.
Gets overtaken by force at point of attack as blocker.
I wonder if any of the H-back stuff is just lip service for Kelce. "Nah Trav we know youll play another 10 years, this guy is Shermans replacement." [Reply]
No team has a Tyreek, and no team has a Kelce. And certainly no team has a Tyreek AND a Kelce. Sure, they've tried to replicate it, but no one has yet.
It’s so hard to defend. Long or short, pick your poison. That’s why it worked.
Until they keyed in on our beat up line and dropped 7 or 8. It slowed us down.
Now, we have a monster line, and they’ll need to provide help in the box because you’re either giving Patrick all day to throw, or jog, or CEH will **** you up.
Back to plan A - Tyreek or Kelce.
EXCEPT... now...
We have Tyreek and Tyreek Jr, and we have Kelce and Kelce Jr all at the same time. They’ll have to commit their C and D resources on an island to Mecole and Noah. And if they’re in zone, we motion them and flip-flop sides. Defend in and out. Or near and wide. Or deep and short.
Originally Posted by New World Order:
Watching the highlights he really does move and run like Kelce
Was just about to post this. The more video I watch, the bigger my boner gets. Full disclosure - I didn't watch a single second of tape on this guy prior to us taking him, but I did watch a lot on Freiermuth, Jordan, McKitty, Yeboah, Tremble, and Long. I saw backup TE as a big need because you don't want to have to change the offense completely if Kelce gets hurt. I didn't see the burst from those other guys - not even Jordan - that I see from Gray. [Reply]
His height is fine; He could easily get 5-10 lbs of muscle added to his frame by the time the season starts, and his arm length is almost the same as Zach Ertz. [Reply]
His height is fine; He could easily get 5-10 lbs of muscle added to his frame by the time the season starts, and his arm length is almost the same as Zach Ertz.
I brought up Chris Cooley early. He might be a good comp.
His height is fine; He could easily get 5-10 lbs of muscle added to his frame by the time the season starts, and his arm length is almost the same as Zach Ertz.
I’d also add these guys too that Noah Gray is taller than:
