Position fit:
Off the ball linebacker seems most likely, but played 118 snaps at 3-4 outside linebacker, 95 at inside linebacker, 144 at 4-3 outside linebacker and 82 in the slot, so has some versatility.
Stats to know:
Graded positively against the run, in coverage, and as a pass rusher in both 2014 and 2015
What he does best:
• Saw a big improvement against the run in 2015, with his grade jumping from +6.6 to +18.9 from 2014
• Likewise, improved as a blitzer and pass rusher in his final year at Boise State, with his grade jumping from +2.1 in 2014 to +8.8. Also saw his pass rushing productivity jump from 13.2 to 15.9
• Continuing the improvement theme, he saw a smaller increase in coverage grade, from +2.0 in 2014 to +3.8 this past year. Gray recorded two interceptions and broke up three passes over the past two seasons
• Attempted 38 solo tackles in 2015, missing just one — a year after missing seven from 54 attempted in 2014
• Disciplined, committing just one penalty on 988 snaps between 2014 and 2015
Biggest concerns:
• How good is he in coverage? Had the fifth-highest overall grade amongst linebackers in this draft class, but was tied for 26th in terms of grade in coverage
• Smaller sample size than most linebackers in this class, playing just 988 snaps over the past two seasons. To put that into perspective, 44 linebackers in this class played at least 800 snaps in 2015 compared with Gray’s 457
• Ranked 21st in overall grade in 2014, and was a significantly worse tackler, with seven misses from 54 attempted as noted above. Progressing as a player or one-year wonder?
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