Cedric Gray 2024 NFL Draft Overview
Height: Six-foot-one
Weight: 234 pounds
Position: Linebacker
School: North Carolina
2024 NFL Draft: Cedric Gray Scouting Report
Coming out of high school, Cedric Gray was a four-star recruit and chose North Carolina over the lines of Marshall, Appalachian State, and Akron. He was a two-way player in high school as both a linebacker and wide receiver. In his true freshman season, Gray appeared in 12 games as both a linebacker and special teams player and managed three tackles. Gray then took a massive step forward in 2021 as he recorded 99 tackles, six tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, three pass breakups, and recovered a fumble.
In 2022, Gray had an incredible season and led the ACC with 145 tackles. In addition, he amassed 12 tackles for loss, a sack, two interceptions, six pass breakups, forced three fumbles, and recovered two. He earned Second-Team All-American honors in 2022.
As a senior, Gray continued his elite play with 121 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, an interception, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles, and two recovered fumbles.
In total, Gray was a Two-Time First-Team All-ACC player and was top four in tackles in the conference in all three years of full-time play.
Strengths
- One of the most productive linebackers in the class
- Unblockable when charging downhill in run defense
- Takes great angles to make plays
- Incredibly explosive and has great range as a defender
- High motor jumps off the tape
- Can be used in run defense, pass defense, and as a QB spy
- Plays faster than his 4.64 40 would suggest
Weaknesses
- Can run himself out of plays
- Has a tendency to be late on keys, reacts on seeing the play rather than instinct
- Missed too many tackles (57 missed in three years)
- Lunges and leaves his feet when tackling
Player comparison: C.J. Mosley
Projection: Third Round
Best Fits: Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs
Bottom Line on Cedric Gray
Gray is likely going to hear his name called on day two of the NFL Draft and there’s plenty to like. To start, players don’t just run into 365 tackles in three years. He was incredibly productive for a reason. Gray plays more athletically than his testing would suggest. He can be utilized in all kinds of defenses and will be able to develop into a legitimate starting linebacker. Gray is versatile enough to warrant getting him onto the field quickly.
While his explosiveness is a massive green flag, he needs to work on finishing. In his three years, Gray missed far too many tackles that resulted in chunk plays. Once he refines his tackling technique, he will be able to mitigate his biggest weakness. While he was an All-ACC player, he is a bit more raw.
Gray will be worth the third-round pedigree. He can play in just about any system in the NFL and has the ability to make an impact right away. There will be growing pains, of course, but his playmaking ability will make it worth it.
Main Image: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
