Eric Gray 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background: 

• Began career at Tennessee before transferring to Oklahoma ahead of the 2021 season

• Two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee 
• Father played running back at Tennessee State; uncle played running back at Ohio State

System: 

• Scheme tendencies: New but likely a spread tempo offense with blended run schemes
• 2022 projected role: Starting RB

Pros: Eric Gray has shown dynamic flashes throughout his college career that showcase an appealing skill set. He is a slippery runner with good elusiveness. I like his ability to string together moves and the balance he illustrates through those cuts. Gray has impressive stop/start ability, lateral quickness, and the ability to take advantage of cut-back opportunities. He has proven to be a reliable receiving option with the ability to create for himself after the catch. While it’s concerning that he’s never commanded a more consistent workload, he does have plenty of tread remaining on the tires even if he is fed the football as the Sooners’ feature back in 2022. 

Cons: It’s becoming concerning that Eric Gray hasn’t been able to claim consistent market share—especially in 2021 at Oklahoma when he started the season as the starter but relinquished that to Kennedy Brooks. A more elusive runner, Gray doesn’t impress when it comes to physicality and contact balance despite being a competitive runner. Gray leaves much to be desired in pass protection where his ability to process and then anchor are inconsistent. He has a narrow build and it’s unlikely that some of his top concerns are improvable when it comes to physicality and contact balance. Gray is a good athlete but doesn’t have top-end long speed to truly be labeled a big-play threat.

Eric Gray NFL Draft Scouting Report by Joe Marino