Cedric Gray
Position: LB – Projected: 4th Round
History & Measurables
Born: Oct. 30th, 2002 – Fort Washington, MD
High School: Ardrey Kell
College: North Carolina
Height: 6’1″ Weight: 234 lbs
Traits & Characteristics
The Good
- Awareness
- Instinct
- Pursuit angle
- Pass rush
- Zone coverage
The Bad
- Pad level
- Stop/start acceleration
- Tackle strength
- Speed
- Man coverage
Advanced Analytics Notes – 2023
Run Defense Stats: Min 100 Snaps
- Run Defense Grade: 62.7 (T-242 among linebackers)
- Run Stops: 41 (T-11 among linebackers)
Pass Rush Stats: Min 40 Snaps
- PFF Pass Rush Grade: 76.8 (T-37 among linebackers)
- Pash Rush Win Rate: 13.5% (T-59 among linebackers)
- QB Hits: 7 (T-9 among linebackers)
- Sacks: 5 (T-24 among linebackers)
- Hurries: 9 (T-98 among linebackers)
Coverage Stats: Min 100 Snaps
- Coverage Grade: 78.0 (T-39 among linebackers)
- Pass Breakups: 3 (T-12 among linebackers)
- Passer Rating Allowed: 79.0 (T-78 among linebackers)
- Interceptions: 1 (T-33 among linebackers)
- Times Targeted: 49 (T-6 among linebackers)
Film Notes and Highlights
Cedric Gray is a smaller linebacker who fits the traditional mold. He lacks good start/stop acceleration, but can bee line to a ball carrier quickly. His instincts and pursuit angles help make up for his lack of speed. He plays at a high pad level, and this causes a weak tackle point as ball carriers can continue fighting for extra yardage. He usually manages to shed blocks well when he attacks with a square front – however that is inconsistent.
In the passing game, Cedric Gray is a good pass rusher. He blitzes well once he realizes his man is blocking, and shows good instinct stopping screens. He’s very capable as a zone coverage linebacker, but a liability in man coverage as he doesn’t have the short area acceleration to keep up with directional changes on routes. Being undersized, he’s likely to be a Will linebacker at the next level, but could be a solid backup Mike. Landing spot will be key. I have a late Day 2 prospect grade on Cedric Gray. – Thomas Christopher
(Games Watched: vs South Carolina 2023, vs Miami 2023, vs Duke 2023, Live at Senior Bowl 2024)
Player Comparison
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Sheldon Hand
Sheldon Hand is an elementary school teacher. He started writing in 2019, and started working with The League Winners in 2021. He has been playing fantasy football for fifteen years, got into dynasty seven years ago and have become a bit obsessed.