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.
Ah, but seriously, the last time there was consensus this early about a Chief, this heavily, among those who are tied to legitimate sources (like Riddick) was Patrick and Tyreek.
All we are missing now is Peter Schraeger’s endorsement (later this week?) and it will be sealed. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dante84:
Ah, but seriously, the last time there was consensus this early about a Chief, this heavily, among those who are tied to legitimate sources (like Riddick) was Patrick and Tyreek.
All we are missing now is Peter Schraeger’s endorsement (later this week?) and it will be sealed.
Clyde last year too. He didn’t quite live up to it, but I think that’s coming, just a year late. [Reply]
Originally Posted by Dante84:
Ah, but seriously, the last time there was consensus this early about a Chief, this heavily, among those who are tied to legitimate sources (like Riddick) was Patrick and Tyreek.
All we are missing now is Peter Schraeger’s endorsement (later this week?) and it will be sealed.
As I said in the other thread….. the Chiefs want this out there for whatever reason. Do they know something about Kelce? He will start to show his age this year? They want it known that when he retires in 2-3 years, we already have his replacement on the roster? [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
As I said in the other thread….. the Chiefs want this out there for whatever reason. Do they know something about Kelce? He will start to show his age this year? They want it known that when he retires in 2-3 years, we already have his replacement on the roster?
It simply means they’re excited about their rookie and new TE2. They did this with guys before. It has nothing to do with Kelce. [Reply]
Originally Posted by staylor26:
It simply means they’re excited about their rookie and new TE2. They did this with guys before. It has nothing to do with Kelce.
At the end of last year Kelce was at the top of his game. No doubt. HOF level. No one is going to argue against that. Especially Chief fans.
But, NFL players get past 30 years old, those HOF skills can decay pretty quick in many players. [Reply]
Originally Posted by BigRedChief:
At the end of last year Kelce was at the top of his game. No doubt. HOF level. No one is going to argue against that. Especially Chief fans.
But, NFL players get past 30 years old, those HOF skills can decay pretty quick in many players.
Yes, Kelce is getting older and he could start to show his age any year now.
That still doesn’t mean that the Chiefs are letting people know they’re excited about Gray for any reason other than they’re excited about Gay. [Reply]