The Tennessee Titans needed to address the inside linebacker position at some point since their leading tackler from last season, Azeez Al-Shaair, departed in free agency. The Titans signed Kenneth Murray Jr., but signing Murray isn’t enough for the already thin linebacker position, according to Justin Melo of Music City Miracles.
“Losing Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency delivered a sizable blow to the inside linebacker position. The offseason signing of Kenneth Murray Jr. wasn’t a universally popular one, but he’s penciled into a starting role. The Titans only have Jack Gibbens and Otis Reese IV as borderline starters opposite him. Neither player should be handed a starting gig without facing competition.”
The Titans drafted an LB in the 4th round.
The Tennessee Titans drafted an LB in the 4th round
The Titans drafted Cedric Gray 106th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He signed his rookie contract.
Cedric Gray signed his rookie contract
Gray signed a 4-year rookie contract worth $4.854 million with an $834,492 signing bonus per Aaron Wilson.
He played college football in North Carolina.
Cedric Gray played college football for the North Carolina Tar Heels
Gray committed to the Tar Heels as a four-star recruit for the 2020 season. He would have a solid tenure with the team, playing 51 games and starting 37. He had 368 tackles, 29 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, 13 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles.
Gray played 12 games and started 12 in 2023, with 121 tackles, 11 TFLs, five sacks, one interception, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. He posted a 76.8 pass rush grade, a 62.7 run defense grade, a 78.0 coverage grade, and a 74.0 PFF grade. The ACC named him to their All-ACC First Team.
Lance Zierlein did a scouting report on the North Carolina LB
Lance Zierlein of NFL Network did a scouting report on Cedric Gray.
“Gray’s production, length and play speed will work in his favor, but he is better suited playing as a weak-side ‘backer where he can run and chase the action. Finding and securing his run fits can be an issue due to a lack of play strength and technique near the line of scrimmage.
“His instincts are just average, but Gray can be a disruptive defender when playing proactively and taking aggressive, downhill shots rather than waiting on the action. His playing style won’t be for everyone, but he does have backup potential if he’s allowed to cut it loose and play fast rather than with force.”
Will Cedric Gray see significant playing time in his rookie season?
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