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.
One of the best qualities Andy Reid has is his ability to maneuver his play designs to isolate his playmakers into single coverage.
He’s going to use a ton of 12 personnel and empty sets to get this guy against a LB and it’s going to be awesome.
This is a perfect fit for Gray to make an impact immediately. Tyreek and Kelce will garner so much attention that defenses can’t possibly give all 3 players double coverage [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
The Broncos drafted Surtain to eliminate Kelce. People compared him to Derwin James as a TE remover and that’s likely what they saw.
Would be hilarious when they put Surtain on Kelce only to watch Gray rape their LB’s :-)
It would be more fun if Kelce rapes Surtain anyway. :-). [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
One of the best qualities Andy Reid has is his ability to maneuver his play designs to isolate his playmakers into single coverage.
He’s going to use a ton of 12 personnel and empty sets to get this guy against a LB and it’s going to be awesome.
This is a perfect fit for Gray to make an impact immediately. Tyreek and Kelce will garner so much attention that defenses can’t possibly give all 3 players double coverage
I think we're going to see Powell used creatively as well. He has some very specific physical traits that set him apart from the other WR's on the roster. It will all be about how quick these guys pickup the Andy Reid playbook. Not a simple task but one I'm sure these guys are chomping at the bit to do. [Reply]
Originally Posted by htismaqe:
I think we're going to see Powell used creatively as well. He has some very specific physical traits that set him apart from the other WR's on the roster. It will all be about how quick these guys pickup the Andy Reid playbook. Not a simple task but one I'm sure these guys are chomping at the bit to do.
If Gray and Powell can come up with 60-70 combined catches between them for the season, this offense might set records. [Reply]
Originally Posted by htismaqe:
I think we're going to see Powell used creatively as well. He has some very specific physical traits that set him apart from the other WR's on the roster. It will all be about how quick these guys pickup the Andy Reid playbook. Not a simple task but one I'm sure these guys are chomping at the bit to do.
Definitely possible. For Powell I wonder how he’ll get many snaps with Tyreek, Hardman and Robinson ahead of him.
I’d like him to take Robinson’s snaps but I highly doubt it happens [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
Definitely possible. For Powell I wonder how he’ll get many snaps with Tyreek, Hardman and Robinson ahead of him.
I’d like him to take Robinson’s snaps but I highly doubt it happens
I think you're going to see him take snaps from everybody not named Tyreek or Travis. JMO but I think he has tools that nobody else on the roster has. I wouldn't be surprised if, by midseason, our 3 WR sets are primarily him, Hill, and Hardman. [Reply]
Originally Posted by htismaqe:
I think you're going to see him take snaps from everybody not named Tyreek or Travis. JMO but I think he has tools that nobody else on the roster has. I wouldn't be surprised if, by midseason, our 3 WR sets are primarily him, Hill, and Hardman.
That would be ideal.
I also wouldn’t mind watching Gray demolish Lb in single coverage on the regular… [Reply]
Originally Posted by RunKC:
KC Sports Network reported that Gray has leapfrogged Bell and Kieser already and is the 2nd TE with some 1st team work.
Dude is gonna be awesome
This is great news. This offense was better when they used more 12 personnel, which is when they had Harris. Gray has that kind of athleticism with better hands and more polish. [Reply]
