Is Noah Gray destined for bigger things in the season’s second half?

In the K.C. Chiefs 41-14 blowout victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday night, there were many standout moments to choose from. From Patrick Mahomes’s 400+ yard, five TD performance to Travis Kelce getting his swagger back, there was a multitude of great moments that fans could applaud for.

For fifth-round pick tight end Noah Gray, he had the most memorable moment of his NFL career, catching his first-ever NFL TD in the third quarter. Gray is now the second tight end on the depth chart.

With this TD and increased role on Sunday, could Gray be set for bigger things in the second half of the 2021 season?

The Snap Counts

On Sunday, Gray was on the field for the second-most snaps he’s received so far this year, playing in 25 offensive snaps (33%) and 26 special teams snaps (93%). His playing time has been flowing all around this season, from playing in just 12% and 11% of offensive snaps from Weeks 8 and 9 to 46% and 31% in Weeks 6 and 7, respectively. It’s tough to get a read on how much playing time he’ll get week in and week out.

However, he is used in the red zone a lot, primarily inside the ten-yard line. That’s where we saw Gray’s first career TD. So, as the Chiefs’ offense gets closer to the end zone, the more we’ll see of Gray. Also, as Gray’s continues to learn how to be an NFL tight end and how the offense played against the Raiders, an increased snap count could be in Gray’s future.

Has Noah Gray Improved In His Recent Outings?

Aside from his TD reception, Gray had two other targets thrown his way a few plays before his catch. Both of those targets went for incompletions and the Chiefs were inside the ten-yard line. Moreover, Gray has only had four passes thrown to him in the past four games, with 2 catches for 5 yards and 1 touchdown. There is barely any movement from a stat standpoint.

However, Gray has continually improved in his special teams’ work, and it seems special teams coordinator Dave Toub likes his skill set. Gray’s playing time has continuously increased, being used the most (as stated before) on Sunday against the Raiders. So, as a special teamer, Gray seems to have found his footing there while that isn’t the true long-term plan for him.

Verdict

In closing, Gray is slightly destined for an increased role in this Chiefs’ offense. Gray is still developing, and it will take time for him to adjust to the NFL truly. I can see him being utilized a ton in the red zone this year, and his TD catch boldens this claim. However, as for right now, I see Gray being a special teamer and receiving a solid share of offensive snaps. Give him a year or two of learning, and Gray could have a much better shot in shining within this Chiefs’ offense.

Do you think Noah Gray is destined for bigger things in the second half of 2021? Leave a comment down below to join the discussion. Thanks for reading, and have a fantastic day!