Noah Gray 2021 NFL Draft Profile

Noah Gray 2021 NFL Draft Profile

As a Massachusetts native, Gray played his high school football for Leominster Senior High School where he earned himself a three-star recruitment ranking. After committing to Duke, Gray saw immediate playing time as a true freshman in 2017. It was an underwhelming season in which he caught just five passes for 37 yards and two touchdowns. While Gray again played in all 13 games the following season as a 2018 sophomore, he pieced together just an average season. Gray caught just 20 passes for 234 yards and one touchdown as he built upon his previous season.

However, as a Junior in 2019, Gray had his best statistical collegiate season as he played in all 12 games and made 11 starts. Gray hauled in 51 passes for a total of 392 yards and three touchdowns and earned himself a second-team All-ACC selection as well as Academic All-ACC honors. Last season as a senior, Gray put together a solid year given the Covid-19 circumstances. Gray was named a team captain and started in all 10 games in which he caught 29 passes for 285 yards along with two touchdowns. Gray ranked second among ACC tight ends in catches and receiving yards as well as earning himself an invite to the Reese’s Senior Bowl and again earning Academic All-ACC honors.

Strengths

High school quarterback who made the switch into a productive college tight end;

Gray’s natural hands and natural feel for route running jumps out;

Impressive three-cone time which translates to his route running quickness on the field;

Brings versatility as he spent time within the backfield as well as the slot for Duke;

Gray has nice size for the move tight end position.

Weaknesses

Despite his size, he needs to add much more functional strength for the NFL level;

Will be less than ideal within an in-line blocking role due to his lack of strength;

Does not have elite vertical speed and will likely struggle to separate on downfield routes at the next level;

Just average yards after the catch ability.

NFL Comparison: Dalton Keene

Teams With Need at Position: Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, Tennessee Titans

Projection: Fifth Round

Bottom Line on Noah Gray

Gray certainly has upside to his game, but he also has several holes. His route running and natural hands coupled with his background as a quarterback will intrigue some teams. However, Gray’s lack of strength and ability to block limits his role significantly and will be a scheme fit, snap specific player at the next level. Furthermore, Gray will need to produce on special teams if he hopes to stick within the NFL as he develops the physical side of his game. Additionally, Gray’s limited speed and after the catch production puts his ceiling as an athletic, quality number two tight end. Gray’s athleticism, short-area quickness, and versatility to align within the slot as well as the backfield will make him an asset on underneath routes and situation-specific downs.

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