2024 NFL Draft Prospect: Cedric Gray

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

Kyzir White

Three Best Fits

Dallas Cowboys

New York Giants

Washington Commanders