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.
Originally Posted by Dante84:
Okay, maybe its because he's a TE, maybe its because he's white, maybe its because he's #87, maybe its because he has really good hands, maybe its because he played QB in highschool....
Originally Posted by RunKC:
How can anyone not see Kelce in this kid? How many times have we seen Kelce use this move to kill LB’s?
Noah Gray can move well for a TE. He has fluid hips, quick feet, and great body control opening up the potential for a full a route tree. pic.twitter.com/clHqVsSUEL
More from Cutcliffe: "He also doesn’t mind going in and mixing it up in the line of scrimmage. He can play fullback. He can play tight end. He can play receiver and he can line up next to a tackle,That’s a rare breed of player." #Chiefs
Originally Posted by tk13:
Kelce is one of the best TE's to ever play the game. I'd be happy if this guy could just step in on 2 TE sets and give us a safety valve.
This. While it would be nice if he was the second coming of Kelce, that's just not realistic. As long as he is more productive as a pass catcher than what we have had at the #2 TE position for the last few years we will come out good drafting him. [Reply]
Gray has twitchiness in his game and route running ability, but is undersized with shorter arms. He does play with toughness (Duke would line him up at Fullback at times) and projects as a good special teamer, too. pic.twitter.com/ozF3caeM48
Originally Posted by dirk digler:
Looks like a Kelce clone. We have needed a good #2 TE and looks like we finally have it
Considering the recent lack of production the Chiefs have gotten from their TE2, if Gray can be comparable to the likes of Sean McGrath or Anthony Fasano, he'll be an upgrade to anyone they have had at that position in recent years. [Reply]
Originally Posted by KCChiefsFan88:
Considering the recent lack of production the Chiefs have gotten from their TE2, if Gray can be comparable to the likes of Sean McGrath or Anthony Fasano, he'll be an upgrade to anyone they have had at that position in recent years.
heh. I think Demetrius Harris was the 2nd most productive TE the Chiefs have had in the last decade. Wrap your head around that. [Reply]
Folks are comparing him to Travis but the funny thing is his physical traits and pro day numbers actually mirror George Kittle quite a bit :-) .
The bottom line is this guy will be able to watch Trav work everyday and gain knowledge from him so it's gonna be very interesting to see how he develops. [Reply]
