*****The Noah Gray Thread*****

[Dante84]

Surprise! More to come!

Spoiler!

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.

How can you not get fired up after getting off the phone with EB �� @noahgray87 pic.twitter.com/dZJ7Zy1vwV

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 1, 2021

[RunKC]

I’m calling it. I think this guy is gonna be a story at camp when he shows his stuff. He’s going to piss off all of our safeties and backers in the middle of the field

[Hammock Parties]

Originally Posted by Dante84

So the one bad thing about him that he’s a huge Tom Brady, Gronk, Edelman, Patriots & Portnoy ball washer since he’s from MA. Dave Portnoy is the biggest Travis Kelce hater of all time.

Not that any of this matters, but I imagine that his least favorite NFL team was KC.

I did look and see if he ever talked shit on Mahomes/Kelce/Tyreek/KC, and thankfully there was no slander.

I’m sure he’ll feel a lot different after he meets the guys the first time.

Mahomes will face **** him

[TwistedChief]

Originally Posted by Dante84

So the one bad thing about him that he’s a huge Tom Brady, Gronk, Edelman, Patriots & Portnoy ball washer since he’s from MA. Dave Portnoy is the biggest Travis Kelce hater of all time.

Not that any of this matters, but I imagine that his least favorite NFL team was KC.

I did look and see if he ever talked shit on Mahomes/Kelce/Tyreek/KC, and thankfully there was no slander.

I’m sure he’ll feel a lot different after he meets the guys the first time.

Can you please delete this post and never mention it again? It's extremely hard for me to think about him in a positive light knowing this background.

[Skyy God]

Originally Posted by TwistedChief

Can you please delete this post and never mention it again? It's extremely hard for me to think about him in a positive light knowing this background.

A Masshole who matriculated at Duke is a solid 2 strikes.

[Rainbarrel]

The Sausage grew up about 50 miles away from Gray(an area known for their sheep's wool).

[KChiefs1]

Biggest surprise: The Chiefs could have selected a number of different prospects after they executed a small trade in the fifth round with the New York Jets to obtain the No. 162 pick. The Chiefs haven’t selected a tight end in years, so it was nice to see the team prioritize that position Saturday with Gray, who has a chance to be a reliable offensive player.

The Chiefs want to use more plays with two tight ends on the field, and Gray will have the chance to learn from star tight end Travis Kelce. Gray is the first tight end to be selected by the Chiefs in the draft since Brett Veach became the general manager in July 2017.

[KChiefs1]

Dane Brugler’s analysis: A two-year starter at Duke, Gray was the F tight end in head coach David Cutcliffe’s pro-style offense, lining up mostly in the backfield and slot. He is Duke’s all-time leader in receptions by a tight end (105), although he padded the stat sheet with a lot of underneath, quick-game routes (digs, outs, curls, etc.). … Overall, Gray is more of a large-framed receiver than traditional tight end and his “tweener” traits will make him role-dependent, but his athletic ball skills and toughness are NFL-quality. He projects best as a hybrid H-back.

[RunKC]

Talking about the trade-up, #Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said they were eyeing TE Noah Gray for 20-25 picks. He noted it’s extremely difficult to replace Travis Kelce when he’s not in the game, and Gray offers similar traits.

They really wanted him — and they got him.

— Pete Sweeney (@pgsween) May 3, 2021

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by RunKC

I’m calling it. I think this guy is gonna be a story at camp when he shows his stuff. He’s going to piss off all of our safeties and backers in the middle of the field

As long as hes a better story than Catapano.

[Hammock Parties]

Put Kelce on the line and this guy in the slot and you have a lot of fun things you can do to defenses.

Probably can't cover him with a linebacker so now you're opening yourself to getting run on.

OR he can be a very nice option as a blocker on WR screens.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Dunerdr

As long as hes a better story than Catapano.

Lol. I remember when we cut him and he signed with the Jets, and we had to play them that season. People actually suggested we needed to watch out because ol' Mike "Mystery AIDS" Catapano might be really angry at us.

[Dunerdr]

Originally Posted by RealSNR

Lol. I remember when we cut him and he signed with the Jets, and we had to play them that season. People actually suggested we needed to watch out because ol' Mike "Mystery AIDS" Catapano might be really angry at us.

Good news! I just googled it and he is a free agent!

[Kiimo]

Originally Posted by Hammock Parties

Kelce's reign as the top stud in KC is done.

Originally Posted by Easy 6

50 Shades of Gray

/swoon

The Right 53 Shades of Gray

[VAGOMO 4 LIFE!]

Gray has experience all over the place, lining up in the slot (237 snaps), in-line (139 snaps) and in the backfield (120 snaps) in 2020 📝

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 2, 2021

[gonefishin53]

I liked Tommy Tremble for his position and scheme versatility in AR's offense at pick #63 but Gray provides the same qualities 100 picks later. Love the pick.