Cedric Gray | North Carolina 6’1.5” | 234 lbs 10/30/2002 (Age 21)
Cedric Gray was drafted by the Tennessee Titans, becoming the seventh Linebacker and 106th overall player selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
Cedric Gray played his first season in 2020 and appeared in all 12 games as a true freshman. In 2021 he led the Tar Heels with 100 total tackles, including seven TFLs, 2.5 sacks, two INTs, and three PBUs. He earned the starting job in his third game and never relinquished it, finishing with 13 games played with 11 starts. As a junior, Gray earned First-team All-ACC honors and ranked third in the FBS with 145 tackles. He also led his team with 12 TFLs and three FFs, while also putting up two INTs and six PBUs in 14 starts. In 2023 Gray again earned First-team All-ACC honors and led the team with 121 tackles in 12 starts. He tied for the team lead with two FFs and also recorded 11 TFLs, five sacks, an INT, and four PBUs.
FILM
Cedric Gray is a rocked up and physical LB capable of making big plays. His constant pursuit and effort stand out on film, though his instincts and field awareness are just par for the course. Gray is currently a little undersized and lacking strength to man a traditional B-gap to B-gap inside LB role, but he is an excellent candidate for the weak side position right away. In time, he should be able to develop into the inside role if necessary. Gray brings the big, physical hits and highlight plays as well, but has more missed tackles than expected. It is surprising that he lasted into the fourth round in the draft because he is very solid in coverage. He understands and makes his assignments in zone coverage and and shown the ability to cover TEs at the collegiate level.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Cedric Gray performed capably at the combine but did not have any stand-out numbers. He logged a 4.64 40-yard dash with a 1.59 10-yard split. He put up 17 reps on the bench press but chose to opt out of the three-cone drill and short shuttle. His best numbers were his jumps, which he recorded 35.5” and 10’0” in the vertical and broad jumps respectively.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Average
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Great
Wilson was selected with the 106th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Cedric Gray unexpectedly fell in the 2024 NFL Draft, most likely due to his mundane 40-time at Combine and some missed tackles that show up on film. Gray lands in a spot where he will have the opportunity to battle incumbent returning starter Jack Gibbens for a starting job. Gray should be solid on special teams right away. The Titans have the luxury of letting the battle play out organically. Gibbens, a UDFA who signed with the Titans after the 2022 draft, has provided depth for the Titans but has answered the bell as a starter and proven serviceable when called upon. Gray should be able to unseat the incumbent starter Gibbens in time, but may not be the opening day starter for the Titans.
What this means is there is an opportunity here to capture value in dynasty IDP rookie drafts. Gray could prove to be a productive startable LB2 in dynasty for years to come, but he may not become a starter until early-mid season in 2024, or potentially not until 2025 if Gibbens plays better than expected. Gray ranks as your author’s rookie LB5 of this class and as the 12th overall IDP rookie. Expect to see him drafted in the late-third to fourth rounds of dynasty IDP rookie drafts this offseason. He is the perfect candidate for a taxi squad.
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