Tag: Cedric Gray

Why Tennessee Titans aced their Cedric Gray NFL Draft selection

Cedric Gray is officially a Tennessee Titan. How will the former Tar Heel fare in his rookie year?

Former UNC standout linebacker Cedric Gray was amongst the best in college football over the past three seasons, recording 100 tackles in each campaign and leading North Carolina each season.

Gray was undoubtedly the leader on a largely struggling defensive unit, always seemingly the first to wrap up an opposing ballcarrier. Gray’s a 2-time, First-Team All-ACC member (2022, 2023), plus he boosted his NFL Draft stock big time with last season’s performance (121 tackles, including 11 for loss, along with five sacks).

I was a bit surprised to not see Gray’s name called on Friday, but he was one of the first players off the board Saturday, as the Tennessee Titans took him with the 106th overall pick – in the Fourth Round – of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The greatest asset Gray brings to Tennessee is his versatilty, as he’s shown the ability to contribute effectively in both the passing and running game. He has 369 career tackles, 18 pass deflections and five interceptions, plus his six forced fumbles (and five recoveries) show he’s strong in ball pursuit.

With how the Titans’ defensive fared last season, I think Gray will be best utilized in the run game, as Tennessee ranked fifth across the NFL in yards per carry allowed (3.8).

Tennessee’s talented linebacking corps already includes Harold Landry III, Arden Key and Kenneth Murray.

Gray is now the latest stud to join that unit.

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Grade for Titans’ Cedric Gray pick in 2024 NFL draft

How we graded the Titans’ fourth-round pick of LB Cedric Gray in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Tennessee Titans have selected linebacker Cedric Gray out of North Carolina with the 107th pick (fourth round) in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Tennessee had a need at off-ball linebacker and filled it with this selection. Gray earned first-team All-ACC honors twice during his time at UNC.

What are the Titans getting in Gray? What grade does this pick deserve? Lets break it down.

Gray is a great athlete with excellent closing speed. Pair this with good trigger instincts and the 21-year-old is an adequate run defender. Gray’s 41 run stops ranked 14th amongst all linebackers in the country.

Where Gray really makes his living is in coverage and rushing the passer.

Gray is very versatile when it comes to defending the pass. He has the length to hang with tight ends and the speed to keep up with running backs. The Maryland native’s efforts in coverage earned him an impressive 78.0 coverage grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

Gray looks like an edge rusher at times when rushing the quarterback. He showcases impressive bend, power, and pass-rush moves for an off-ball linebacker. Gray ranked in the upper echelon of linebackers in pass-rush grade last season.

As far as drawbacks go, Gray took a bit of a step back in 2023 after a stellar 2022 season. Additionally, he’s a bit light for the position and could afford to add some lower-body strength.

Overall, Gray has the potential to start Day 1 for a LB-needy Titans team. Gray ranks 99th on the consensus big board. Good value here.

GRADE: B+

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Cedric Gray selected No. 106 overall by Tennessee Titans in the 2024 NFL Draft

Cedric Gray joins the Tennessee Titans as the team took him No. 106 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.

UNC’s defensive leader [autotag]Cedric Gray[/autotag] lands with the Tennessee Titans in the 2024 NFL draft, becoming the second Tar Heel of the board.  After a long wait, Gray was taken No. 106 overall by Tennessee as the sixth pick in the second round. 

Gray is a great addition to a stacked/rebuilding defense, and with experience on the college level, he’s one of the more pro-ready players in the draft. A Tar Heel since day one, exploding onto the scene his sophomore season, Gray’s ability to dominate opposition through blitz and coverage. 

In four seasons, Gray finished with 368 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 13 pass deflections, five forced fumbles, and five interceptions. Gray has finished top five every year in the ACC for tackles since 2021. 

 The UNC football program will miss Gray’s vocal leadership, as he led the locker room in the way your defensive captain should. On and off the field, Gray has made an impact, and that should continue on the next level. 

The Titans are a team that is trying to rebuild, backed by their young quarterback in Will Levis who they took in the 2023 NFL Draft. They aren’t the best defense in the league but adding a player like Gray to build around is a good start.

Gray will also have the chance to go up against some young and talented quarterbacks in the AFC South with CJ Stroud in Houston, Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, and Anthony Richardson in Indianapolis.

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Cedric Gray, Tez Walker amongst best remaining NFL Draft prospects on Day 2

Will Cedric Gray and Tez Walker’s strong football careers at UNC land them decent spots in the 2024 NFL Draft?

Day 1 of the NFL Draft on Thursday, April 25 was no shortage of excitement.

Several teams found their quarterbacks of the future, the Carolina Panthers traded up to get their next big receiver and the Atlanta Falcons made a head-scratching selection at eighth overall, selecting Michael Penix Jr. after committing $100+ million to Kirk Cousins in the offseason.

One of the top names off the draft board was UNC football legend Drake Maye, who was selected third overall by the New England Patriots. Maye joins a storied AFC East franchise looking to get back to its early 2000s-glory.

Maye isn’t the only former North Carolina Tar Heel expected to be chosen in the NFL Draft.

Just moments ahead of Rounds 2 and 3 on Friday, April 26, UNC linebacker Cedric Gray and wide receiver Tez Walker are ranked amongst USA Today’s 125 best remaining NFL Draft prospects.

Gray, ranked 88th, earned First Team All-ACC Honors in each of the past two seasons. He led North Carolina with 121 tackles in 2023, one of two Tar Heels to hit the century mark (Power Echols), while also sacking opposing quarterbacks five times, generating seven quarterback hurries, four pass breakups, plus forcing a team-high two fumbles and recovering a team-high two.

Walker, ranked 109th, is one of the more underrated wide receiver prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. He only played in eight games for the Tar Heels last year, but led them with seven receiving touchdowns while adding 699 receiving yards (second-most). Walker’s season was shortened due to initially being ruled ineligible, a decision which was eventually flipped.

According to Gray’s NFL Draft Scouting report, there’s a decent chance he gets selected tonight. If Walker isn’t selected today, he’ll definitely be gone by tomorrow.

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When do the RBs and LBs start getting drafted on Day 2?

When do the RBs and LBs start getting drafted on Day 2 after no prospects from either position were selected in the first round?

The first round of the 2024 NFL draft saw six quarterbacks and nine offensive linemen selected, both records for any individual draft. The overload at those positions led to some other positions being overlooked on Day 1.

Namely, running back and linebacker.

There wasn’t a single running back selected in the first 32 picks, nor did any linebackers come off the board. That figures to change on Day 2, but how quickly?

It might take several picks before the first linebacker hears his name called. Whether it’s Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M, Payton Wilson of North Carolina State or Michigan’s Junior Colson, the first off-ball LB likely won’t be among the first handful of picks. The shift to a base nickel defense package removed one starting LB spot from most every team, and a recent supply of good draft classes at linebacker has also diminished demand in 2024.

Prediction for LBs

Cooper or Wilson gets the nod in the 40-45 overall range, and then the top grouping will all come off over the span of the next 20 or so picks. That group also includes North Carolina’s Cedric Gray.

There is a separate problem at running back. Several prospects at the position are generally lumped together in the rankings and big boards. Jonathon Brooks from Texas might be No. 1 for one team but sixth on another. The same is true for Trey Benson from Florida State and Jaylen Wright from Tennessee.

That sort of “dealer’s choice” at a well-stocked supply of prospects could mean teams opt to pull the trigger and land their guy. But because of the relative depth of the class, a team that might need another position just a little more might look at (perceived) Day 3 options like Isaac Guerendo from Louisville, Dylan Laube of New Hampshire or Marshall’s Rasheen Ali and not find as much of a dropoff as they would at other positions from Day 2 to Day 3.

Prediction for RBs

Brooks and Benson each come off the board in the 50s, and then there’s a gap into the later realms of the third round. And then we’ll see a relative deluge of RBs in the fourth and fifth rounds as teams work their way down “need” lists to a deep running back class.

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Unpacking Future Packers: No. 15, UNC LB Cedric Gray

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers need to add a playmaker and depth to the linebacker room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. 

As it stands right now that room consists of Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie. A linebacker that Brian Gutekunst could target in the upcoming draft is Cedric Gray. The University of North Carolina product checks in at No. 15 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

A three-star recruit and a native of North Carolina, Gray became a full-time starter during his sophomore season and responded with 100 tackles, seven tackles, 2.5 sacks and two interceptions. The following season he recorded 145 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one sack, two interceptions and six pass deflections. 

During his final season as a Tar Heel, Gray recorded 121 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, one interception and four pass deflections. 

“Gray was not only an important piece as a player but as a leader as well,” Zack Pearson, a UNC writer for TarHeelsWire, said. “His stats speak for itself with what he’s been able to accomplish but he really developed into a leader on that defense after his breakout season a few years back. North Carolina’s defense often struggled in games while the offense was putting up big numbers but when they needed a play the most on defense to stop the building, it usually came from Gray.”

During his three years as a starter, Gray recorded 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, forced six fumbles and recovered five fumbles. He also recorded 54 pressures during that time, with some of those hits on the quarterback leading to turnovers.

“His knack for making the timely plays was huge,” Pearson said. “You rarely saw him out of position on defense and he just had that knack for coming up with a big play when UNC needed it the most.”

Gray has a good blend of length and quickness. He uses that length to help keep himself clean and get off blocks. With his long arms, he has a wide tackle radius. He has a nose for the football, accumulating 366 tackles and 30 tackles for loss during his three years as a starter. Gray stays assignment-sound and is rarely out of position. 

“Pursuit and tackling abilities,” Pearson said. “The instincts are there as well. He can really read a play well and know what gaps to fill in terms of run defense. He knew where to be and when he needed to be there to initiate the contact and make the play. He’s a very smart football player and you can see that in his development over the years at UNC.”

Gray gets good depth in his drops and has the length to disrupt passing lanes, as evident by his 13 pass deflections. He has the lateral agility to easily redirect in space. 

“This is the area that NFL teams are concerned with in terms of him being a three-down linebacker,” Pearson said. “He did make plays in pass coverage but there were also times where he was beaten when going up against a running back, tight end, or even receiver in man coverage. Zone coverage sometimes helped mask that but he did get beat there too. I think he really has to improve in this area at the next level to be a more complete linebacker.”

During his time at North Carolina, Gray logged 587 snaps on special teams. Even if he doesn’t earn a starting role out of the gates, Gray could quickly become a core special teams player at the next level. 

Fit with the Packers

Gray certainly looks the part of a modern-day NFL linebacker. A potential issue that could keep him off Green Bay’s board is his tackling. While he is always around the football and racked up the tackles, he also was tagged with 57 missed tackles over the past three seasons. If the Packers believe they can help cut that number down he could be a target in the third or fourth round, as they look to round out their linebacker room.

“I think there’s a lot of potential in Gray,” Pearson said. “He may not be the most polished linebacker in this draft class but he improved every single year at North Carolina and I don’t think he’s done improving. His skill set and potential are something that would intrigue me. The athleticism is impressive as well. I think those are all positive traits and putting him in a situation where there is a good veteran linebacker for him to learn from right away would be beneficial.” 

If the Packers ultimately decide that they can live with the missed tackles, Gray could be high on their board. He has the skill set to impact the game in multiple facets and he’s a proven playmaker with a nose for the football.

 

Quick look at 2024 NFL draft landscape at linebacker for Packers

The Packers need linebackers. The best avenue for adding at this point? The 2024 draft.

Brian Gutekunst went to the market to sign a veteran linebacker to pair with Quay Walker and Isaiah McDuffie. Unfortunately, Green Bay’s general manager discovered that the linebacker aisle was picked over, like the toy aisle the day before Christmas. 

With the linebacker market barren, the Packers will likely need to trade for a veteran or use the draft to bolster the linebacker room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue. Let’s take a look at some linebackers that the Packers could target in the 2024 NFL draft.

Potential Target at 25

Edgerrin Cooper, Texas A&M

Cooper is an explosive mover and a true difference-maker. He can impact the game as a run defender, as a blitzer, or in coverage. If Cooper were to land in Green Bay he’d be the best linebacker on the roster, and no that’s not a shot at Walker. It’s a credit to Cooper. 

Cooper may be viewed as a bit of a reach in the first round, but the same thing can be said about Eric Stokes, Quay Walker, etc. Cooper would be a home run pick at 41, but Gutekunst may see the value in taking the impactful linebacker with the 25th overall pick. 

Day 2 Targets

Cedric Gray, UNC

Gray was all over the field this past season for the Tar Heels. He recorded 121 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and five sacks. The UNC linebacker works his way through the trash against the run and has the movement skills to hold up in coverage.

Junior Colson, Michigan

Mr. Always in the Right Place at the Right Time, Colson would be a steady presence in the middle of Green Bay’s defense. Colson is comfortable dropping in space and does a good job of reading the quarterback’s eyes. He has the range as a run defender to shut-down outside runs and is a reliable tackler. He is quick to diagnose and beats blockers to the spot. 

Payton Wilson, NC State

Every team could use a Payton Wilson. If he had a clean bill of health (two leg injuries), he’d be in the Potential Target at 25 tier with Cooper. The NC State product is the complete package at linebacker. He’s a physical, downhill defender against the run and he has the movement skills to hold up in coverage.

Day 3 Targets

Edefuan Ulofoshio, Washington

From walk-on to captain, Ulofoshio had quite the journey during his time at Washington. The Alaska native is all heart and his motor is always running. He trusts his eyes and is quick to react to meet ball carriers in the hole. The Husky linebacker shows good instincts in coverage.

Jordan Magee, Temple

Magee isn’t a hulking linebacker, but he has the functional strength to destroy blocks and disrupt the action. He’s a smart player that is quick to read and react. The Temple linebacker gets good depth on his drops and looks comfortable moving laterally. Magee logged 307 snaps on special teams during his collegiate career and could carve out a role in that regard immediately as a rookie. 

Marist Liufau, Notre Dame

Liufau plays like his hair is on fire and is relentless in his pursuit of the ball carrier. He has the sideline-to-sideline quickness and is comfortable dropping into space.

Trevin Wallace, Kentucky

Wallace is an outstanding athlete with the sideline-to-sideline range to chase down ball carriers. A former track athlete, Wallace is the type of prospect that Gutekunst has a history of targeting. If his instincts ever catch up to his athletic traits, Wallace could develop into quite the difference-maker at the next level.

Curtis Jacobs, Penn State

A team will roll the dice on the Penn State linebacker’s athletic traits. With his quickness and his experience on special teams, it’s a safe bet that he could develop into a core player on special teams. Jacobs is a twitched-up athlete with the movement skills to hold up on coverage. 

JD Bertrand, Notre Dame

Bertrand is a cerebral player who trusts his eyes and is quick to read the action. He’s a downhill player, who does a good job of sifting through the trash to locate the ball carrier. With his instincts, relentless motor and special teams experience, Bertrand would be a solid addition to Green Bay’s linebacker room. 

PHOTOS: Cedric Gray at 2024 NFL Scouting Combine

Cedric Gray, a 3-year starting linebacker for UNC, was one of many invitees at the 2024 NFL Combine. Check out some flicks of him.

This past weekend was a dream come true for several college football players, who attempted proving their skillsets to professional teams at the NFL Scouting Combine.

Most notably, players participated in drills like the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and bench press. There’s plenty more sessions, but these seem to be the areas NFL scouts look into the most.

There’s a few former UNC players who participated in the NFL Combine, such as star linebacker Cedric Gray. The in-state product reached 100 tackles in each of his three years as a starter, plus he nabbed first team All-ACC honors in the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.

Gray was often a bright spot on a historically struggling defensive unit. He showcased a rare ability to wrap up the ballcarrier, while also acting as a main cog in the passing game.

With how productive he was as a Tar Heel, Gray is almost certain to be selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. NFL Mock Draft Database has Gray as a fourth-round pick, though his play could easily get him a third or second-round selection.

Will Gray’s 4.66 40-yard dash help his case to rise up the boards? Will teams take a chance on Gray?

Whoever chooses Gray is not only getting a talented linebacker, but a proven leader who’s a great team player. Let’s check out a couple of Gray’s Combine photos:

Four UNC football players invited to NFL draft Combine

Who were the four stars from UNC’s 2023 football team that are getting an additional chance to prove themselves at the NFL Draft Combine?

Despite the UNC football team’s troubling end to its 2023 campaign, there was no shortage of star power on the field.

Quarterback Drake Maye played himself into an early, first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, throwing for 3,608 yards and a 24-to-9 touchdown-to-interception ratio. His best games came against Syracuse and Minnesota, a pair of 400-yard outings.

Devontez Walker, who transferred from Kent State in the offseason, gave North Carolina a true Number One wideout. After dealing with NCAA ineligibility for a good portion of the year, Walker led UNC with 699 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Cedric Gray was a leader on an otherwise subpar defense, registering a team-high 121 tackles. Myles Murphy, the massive 6’5″, 310-pound in-state defensive tackle, recorded 24 tackles. 4.5 of those were tackles for loss, tied for sixth on the Tar Heels.

If you haven’t guessed already, the above four UNC stars were selected for the NFL Draft Combine.

The NFL Combine will be held in Indianapolis from Monday, Feb. 26-Monday, March 4. This event gives top collegiate players a chance to further improve their draft stock.

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Vikings 2024 7 round mock draft 4.0: What if they only took positions of need?

Tyler Forness takes a look at what a draft would look like only taking positions of need

The Minnesota Vikings have a lot of different ways they can go in the NFL draft. There will be some discussion on what needs are most important but the Vikings can address most of them through both free agency and the NFL draft.

Each week throughout the leadup to the NFL draft, I will be doing different seven round mock drafts for the Vikings as a way to explore different scenarios. You never know who might fall to you and how that could cause a ripple effect and being ready for those situations is paramount come draft weekend.

In the second rendition of our seven round mock draft series, what could a draft look like that has the Vikings took players only at position of need?

Mock Draft 1.0
Mock Draft 2.0
Mock Draft 3.0