Summary

Cedric Gray was selected in the 4th Round (#106 Overall) in the 2024 Draft out of University of North Carolina. Gray arrives in the NFL with a strong college résumé marked by high tackle totals, solid playmaking, and leadership. He’s the type of linebacker who brings sideline‑to‑sideline range, hustle, and a nose for the ball. At his best, he’s a thumper in the run game and a disruptive presence. As he develops at the pro level, the question will be whether he can refine his instincts, deepen his coverage versatility, and maintain his consistency against faster and more complex NFL offenses. If he does, he has the potential to become a reliable starter in the linebacker group.

Strengths

• High production & tackling volume: Over his last two seasons at North Carolina, Gray amassed 266+ tackles, including 121 in his senior year alone. University of North Carolina Athletics

• Sideline‑to‑sideline range and athleticism: Despite being more of a thumper, Gray possesses surprising mobility for his size and showed ability to cover space both in the run and pass game. For example, scouting reports highlight his “explosiveness and range” as assets. NFL Draft Buzz

• Physicality and finishing ability: He showed ability to make stops behind the line of scrimmage, including tackles for loss, sacks and forced‑fumbles. University of North Carolina Athletics

• Leadership & maturity: Gray was a team captain at UNC and earned multiple All‑ACC honors, indicating both his on‑field impact and off‑field presence. University of North Carolina Athletics

• Versatility in run and pass‑rush roles: While primarily a traditional linebacker, he has shown willingness and ability to hustle into blitzes and make plays in different fronts. Tennessee Titans

Weaknesses

• Coverage nuance & elite athleticism: While mobile for his size, Gray is not yet regarded as having elite recovery speed or elite coverage instincts. This could be tested more at the NFL level when asked to match modern athletic tight ends or slot receivers. NFL Draft Buzz

• Adjustment period / limited pro experience: His rookie season was hampered by injury and limited snaps; he only played 48 defensive snaps early in his career, so the transition to full‑time starter is still ahead. Pro Football Rumors

• Pass‑coverage tendencies & route recognition: Some scouting noted that while he has good fundamentals, there is room to improve his anticipation in coverage, especially in complex NFL schemes. NFL Draft Buzz

• Maintaining pad level & tackling consistency: With high volume comes fatigue risk; making sure every cut, every tackle is sharp at the pro level is key, and he must sustain his technique under heavier-duty usage.

• Fit & scheme sensitivity: Gray’s strengths lean toward aggressive, downhill playing style; if asked to play a very multiple, coverage‑heavy role with lateral mirroring, he may face steeper learning curves.

Fit & Outlook

Gray is well-suited for a defense that allows him to play downhill, make plays against the run, blitz occasionally, and use his tackling aptitude. A scheme that gives him defined assignments rather than ultra‑complex rotation may accelerate his growth. He’s in position to compete for a starting inside linebacker spot due to sheer lack of competition on the Titans roster but if he develops his coverage chops and stays healthy, Gray has the tools to become a three‑down starter, contributing in run, pass and as a leader on defense. His adaptation to NFL speed, ability to hold up in space against athletic players, durability over full 16–17 game seasons, and whether he can sustain big‑play impact weekly.