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Eric Gray 2023 NFL Draft Profile

Eric Gray NFL Draft Profile: Read about Eric Gray's NFL Draft Scouting Report as well as potential team fits in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Eric Gray NFL Draft

Eric Gray NFL Draft Overview

Position: Running Back
Height: 5’ 10”
Weight: 210 pounds
School: University of Oklahoma

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2023 NFL Draft: Eric Gray Scouting Report

Eric Gray is a running back from the University of Oklahoma. He transferred from the University of Tennessee and immediately made an impact for the Sooners in 2021. After transferring from Tennessee, Gray quickly made a name for himself by starting six out of 13 games for the Sooners. He rushed 78 times for 412 yards with 5.3 yards/carry. Gray added two scores to his production as well. He also caught 23 passes for 229 yards and two more scores.

Gray doubled down the next season taking an even larger role. He solidified his position as a legitimate collegiate running back with 1,366 rushing yards and 11 scores. His 213 carries marked a career-high. Gray also rushed for 6.4 yards/carry in 2022 while receiving for 229 yards. He earned his starting role and production at Oklahoma with tough and reliable running. Oklahoma regularly looked to Gray in high-leverage and end-of-game situations due to his reliable hands and proven production.

Before Gray transferred he was a key piece for the Volunteers. He rushed for 539 yards his freshmen season and 772 yards his sophomore year with four touchdowns. Gray finished his freshmen season torching Vanderbilt and Indiana. His 246 rushing yards were the most rush yards by a freshman in Tennessee Volunteers history. Gray capped off this performance with a 94-yard rushing touchdown against the Commodores in an SEC rivalry game.

Strengths

  • Strong, physical runner that can break tackles;
  • North-south rushing style – quickly attacks holes and gets every yard available;
  • Receiving upside with reliable hands;
  • Above-average pass blocker that should be able to play on passing downs;
  • Durable build;

Weaknesses

  • Not a home run threat;
  • Not an elusive player – won’t make guys miss in space;
  • Needs to improve vision for running lanes;
  • Age: Gray will turn 24 during his rookie campaign;
  • Doesn’t create separation in the receiving game.

NFL Player Comparison: Miles Sanders, Najee Harris

Projection: Rounds 2-3

Teams With Need at Running Back: Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals

Final Thoughts on Eric Gray

Gray is a talented, potential three-down back in the NFL. The former Sooner has the strength and skill set to earn a substantial role as a runner as well as a blocker and pass-catcher. He has four years of experience as a running back in college at both Oklahoma and Tennessee. Both the Sooners and Volunteers leaned on him during key moments in their respective seasons. He should make an impact within his first few years and get a chance to be a major contributor.

Gray’s advantages include his strength and experience. He is a durable runner with a versatile game style. He is a reliable runner, and pass-catcher, as well as a pass and run blocker. In the complex and evolving NFL, versatility is key to earning a three-down role. If he can get into an offense without a current star running back he should garnish opportunities immediately. Teams like the Falcons and  Cardinals would be looking for a durable and tough runner to back up their veterans or to take charge of an indecisive backfield.

Gray needs to improve his overall speed, elusiveness, and quickness in order to expand his big-play potential. He should have a long career as a consistent running back in the NFL. If he can improve his big play threat, his ceiling will raise tremendously. Destination is key for Gray in this upcoming draft. He is not a generational talent or prospect like Bijan Robinson or Saquon Barkley. However, Gray is more than capable if given the opportunity to lead a backfield. If granted the opportunity, Gray could become an immediate impact player, or buried at the end of the depth chart and become another journey-man similar to players like Sony Michel or D’Onta Foreman.

Main Photo: Nathan J. Fish – USA Today Sports

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