KC Chiefs rookie scouting report: Noah Gray

After using their first three selections in the 2021 NFL Draft to address needs at linebacker, center, and pass rusher, respectively, the K.C. Chiefs finally decided to address a long-term need for more pass catchers in the fifth round. After hinting at the possibility of improving the tight end position earlier this offseason, they decided to trade up and take Noah Gray from Duke

It was reported afterwards that the Chiefs were intrigued by Gray apparently had a contingency plan in order to get him. After everything ended up working out with the Jets, they now have a reliable tight end backing up All-Pro Travis Kelce.

Background:

Noah Gray was a former three star recruit from Leominster, MA. From his high school days, he showed low-end potential and was only chased by schools such as Delaware, Appalachian State, Temple, UMass, and of course Duke. The 6’4″ tight end would soon find himself in a situation that would allow him to display his ability to be productive in the passing game and show off what he could do as a blocker.

Strengths:

Gray was a primary weapon on the Blue Devils offense, and showed the ability to be a reliable option for the Chiefs offense. The Chiefs, with Kelce, do not currently have a need for a receiving tight end, but they do need someone at present with versatility as both a receiver and blocker. Kelce is able to stay in for just about every snap, but on the few he isn’t, Gray will be a reliable option. He has the ability to be an in-line blocker, and still be an option on quick read options.

With the Chiefs offense looking somewhat incomplete without a reliable WR2, the Chiefs could be looking at utilizing his skill set in two tight end sets. Gray showed his ability to be a very reliable receiving tight end in the passing game. He had phenomenal burst that allowed him in out routes to turn the corner and burn upfield. For a tight end it was quite remarkable to see just how well he did after the catch.

In today’s NFL, tight ends are used much more often in the passing game, but what is still lacking from the position is the true receiving threat. There are a limited number of tight ends that can play like a receiver with the run after the catch, and having the ability to still have reliable hands. Gray is such a player.

Gray also showed strong awareness and IQ with his ability to hit the soft spots in coverage. With terrific understanding of defensive coverages, he can exploit the holes in zone coverage better than most tight ends and that allows him to be a reliable option for K.C.

Weaknesses:

I just stated the strengths, but to every strength there is a weakness to balance a player out. With that being said, he doesn’t have the same x-factor that would allow him to take over a game quite like some other tight ends. There is also concerns from me about his route running. From the IQ standpoint that I mentioned above, he showed he can be a very smart football player, but there are definitely traits that are going to need fine-tuning.

Within Gray’s route running there are a couple things that I noticed. He is a very one dimensional route runner, and doesn’t display a wide variety of route variations. Being very “vanilla” within that aspect of his game, he won’t be able to be a great option in year one. When playing in the ACC, the level of competition is not as talented as playing in the SEC or even Big 10, and there were a lot of times when Gray wasn’t able to benefit the Blue Devils due to the fact that he could not create separation in man coverage. The route tree that he displayed on film was held to pretty basic routes. However, with his ability to play as a blocker well, there weren’t many scenarios in which he was used as a true wideout.If he can work on using double moves, mix up timing, and improve his cuts, he will be able to become a well-rounded tight end.

Conclusion:

Gray will be a reliable option for the Chiefs offense in year one due to his blocking ability and his off-block receiving skills. Although, I expect him to be in for a high percentage of running plays due to his blocking, I don’t expect him to be a big option for the Chiefs as a receiver. He has some fine tuning to work on in the receiving game and expanding his game to the NFL level.

Grade: C+