Kansas City Chiefs: Who’s Making The Grade?

Aug 17, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Kansas City Chiefs running back Cyrus Gray (32) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Running Backs

Making the Grade

Cyrus Gray: +4.1 overall grade

Of the 185 RBs to be graded as of writing this, Cyrus Gray has the second best PFF grade of the preseason. Even more impressive, his +4.5 grade for running the football is by far the best in the NFL this preseason, with the number two RB in that category only scoring a +2.7. One should remember that that production has come against third string defenses, but it’s impressive none the less. Many (myself included) thought that Gray may not make the 53 man roster, but between his excellent performance running the ball and his valuable contributions on special teams I now think Gray is a lock to make this team. In fact, if keeps performing at that level he may just challenge…….

Missing the Mark

Knile Davis: -2.7 overall grade

While Gray graded out as the preseason’s #2 RB, Davis is currently graded out as the 169th ranked back. His -2.7 grade is in large part due to his -2.2 blocking grade. In a pass happy offense like the one Andy Reid runs a back simply must be able to pass block and Davis appears to be lacking in that area. Davis is a more explosive athlete than Gray, but if Gray proves himself more dependable in protection and smarter about finding his holes, Gray may start cutting into Davis’ playing time.

Side Note: Anthony Sherman continues to grade out well at FB after being PFF’s highest graded FB last season.

Next up, the wide receivers…….