Cyrus Gray Will Contribute In 2012.

[Micjones]

3rd published article at Arrowhead Addict.

“With the 182nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select Cyrus Gray, runningback, Texas A&M.”

Those words were music to my ears on that overcast Saturday evening in Kansas City. Veterans Jackie Battle and Thomas Jones were both on their way out at Arrowhead. The two of them were unrestricted free agents unlikely to be re-signed for the 2012 campaign. The Chiefs filled one of those vacancies when they acquired former Browns runningback Peyton Hillis on March 14th. Gray was subsequently drafted by GM Scott Pioli in the top half of the sixth-round. He may well have been the best value of any player in the Chiefs’ draft class having been projected to be taken between rounds three and four (NFL Draft Scout, Draft Countdown, ProFootballWeekly).

I really like the cut of this kid’s jib. Gray stands about 5’10 and he’s a cut 206 pounds. Cut might be misleading, he’s pretty “rocked up”. It makes him a tough runner who’s difficult to bring down with an arm tackle. He’s not a burner, but he has a 40 time that hovers right around the mid-4.4′s. He doesn’t possess the straight line speed of his teammate Jamaal Charles, but he won’t be caught from behind very often. The former Aggie can be electric in the open field. The things that really impress me about his game tape are his field vision, his decision-making, his patience in setting up his blocks, his forward lean and the angles he takes. Gray’s a smart runner with a style reminiscent of Priest Holmes.

Under a normal set of circumstances I’d expect Cyrus Gray, in year one, only to contribute on Special Teams. He’ll be the third or fourth runningback on the Chiefs’ depth chart. Dexter McCluster is likely to be moved back to runningback if fourth-round pick Devon Wylie can stay healthy. Wylie’s unproven, but could displace him in the receiver corps. Gray will need to make his mark on Special Teams to be active on a weekly basis. Given his track record at Texas A&M, it’s likely he’ll do just that. He amassed well over 2,000 kick return yards (two that went for touchdowns) during his collegiate career. I suspect that he’ll get an audition for that role between now and the end of training camp. Gray should see offensive opportunities. The Chiefs will want to bring their top two backs along slowly after coming off of injury in 2011. Charles suffered a season-ending ACL tear in the second game of the season. Hillis was nagged by a hamstring injury throughout the year that caused him to miss several games for Cleveland (*cough, cough* Madden Curse *cough*). I think the Chiefs draftee will find a place in the backfield rotation. It’s what he’ll do with those chances that will make the difference.

Cyrus Gray has a versatile offensive skillset. He’s an inside runner with the speed to bounce outside. Add that to capable pass-catching hands and you have a runningback that can be beneficial to this offense in a number of ways. Gray’s the kind of weapon that can really hurt a tiring defense over the last 30 minutes of regulation. His highest yard per carry average came in either the third or fourth quarter of games in all three seasons at Texas A&M. If this football team is protecting a lead, expect to see him on the field. After struggling with fumbles early in his career at A&M, he was able to shake his ball security issues. He fumbled only once in his last two seasons as an Aggie. That will give him an edge over McCluster, who has often put the ball on the ground in crucial game situations. I’m looking forward to seeing what he’ll bring to the table in his rookie season. If he can gain the trust of this coaching staff I truly believe he’ll make a sizeable contribution this year.

If you haven’t had the pleasure of seeing Cyrus Gray play, take a few minutes to watch this highlight video from his 2010 season. Viewer discretion is advised. The track that accompanies the video isn’t suitable for the workplace. Neither I nor Arrowhead Addict will be held liable for the potential decline in office productivity or reprimands up to, and including separation of employment. With that in mind, enjoy the show!

[AndChiefs]

They obviously didn't watch many of his games. Everything they said about his running style was correct. However, he's an awful return man. Maybe that can be corrected with better coaching but if he goes into the season as our KR I'll be disappointed.

[mcaj22]

Originally Posted by AndChiefs

They obviously didn't watch many of his games. Everything they said about his running style was correct. However, he's an awful return man. Maybe that can be corrected with better coaching but if he goes into the season as our KR I'll be disappointed.

why would this guy even be considered for returning kicks. We dont have enough midgets on this roster that we wasted high picks on that all cant take turns fielding balls? what else are they going to do? 4th string WR? 4th string CB?

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by AndChiefs

They obviously didn't watch many of his games. Everything they said about his running style was correct.

I'd say he's got the vision Holmes had (as far as setting up blocks, seeing open lanes, quickly recognizing the best option) but I don't see this "power running" that's talked about.

He's clearly not afraid to take a hit but that doesn't translate to breaking tackles or fending off tacklers...

[prhom]

Originally Posted by Rausch

I'd say he's got the vision Holmes had (as far as setting up blocks, seeing open lanes, quickly recognizing the best option) but I don't see this "power running" that's talked about.

He's clearly not afraid to take a hit but that doesn't translate to breaking tackles or fending off tacklers...

I noticed that too, he even got pulled backwards by a tackler in one of the plays. By contrast, you never see Hillis pulled backwards in the open field by one guy. Gray just seems to be a good blend of speed, strength, and smarts. That is by no means a bad thing.

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by prhom

I noticed that too, he even got pulled backwards by a tackler in one of the plays. By contrast, you never see Hillis pulled backwards in the open field by one guy. Gray just seems to be a good blend of speed, strength, and smarts. That is by no means a bad thing.

Hillis is 3 inches taller and 45 pounds heavier.

[Chiefshrink]

Originally Posted by Micjones

Hillis is 3 inches taller and 45 pounds heavier.

He will definitely be our 'thumper' that will be able to catch the ball with some wiggle to him which will be good. Our own Mike Alstott with some wiggle. Let's just hope he can acquire Alstott's toughness in due time

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Rausch

I'd say he's got the vision Holmes had (as far as setting up blocks, seeing open lanes, quickly recognizing the best option) but I don't see this "power running" that's talked about.

He's clearly not afraid to take a hit but that doesn't translate to breaking tackles or fending off tacklers...

Not sure I understand. I made no mention of his being a power runner.
That wasn't Priest's style either.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by Micjones

Not sure I understand. I made no mention of his being a power runner.
That wasn't Priest's style either.

I never said you did.

It's the same mistake made with Thomas Jones. Because he was pretty much an ineffective runner for most of his career he'd just be asked to bang it up the middle and if he went down no one cared.

Honestly, that's it.

After doing it for 2 or 3 years and not getting injured he got this "banger" tag that was never really accurate.

Holmes broke tackles. Holmes dragged tacklers. Holmes stiff armed men to the ground.

It wasn't what he was trying to do but when necessary he could do it...

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by Rausch

I never said you did.

It's the same mistake made with Thomas Jones. Because he was pretty much an ineffective runner for most of his career he'd just be asked to bang it up the middle and if he went down no one cared.

Honestly, that's it.

After doing it for 2 or 3 years and not getting injured he got this "banger" tag that was never really accurate.

Holmes broke tackles. Holmes dragged tacklers. Holmes stiff armed men to the ground.

It wasn't what he was trying to do but when necessary he could do it...

Holmes had a great stiff arm.

I think the same can be said of Gray though. He can break a tackle.
That's not where he'll butter his bread in the NFL, but he has the build and the tenacity to do it from time-to-time.

[mesmith31]

I didn't watch a ton of his games, but he looks decisive. Unlike McCluster who likes to dance and is only effective if he can get the edge, Gray appears to make one cut and go. Appears pretty fiery as well. I'm optimistic.

[AndChiefs]

Originally Posted by mesmith31

I didn't watch a ton of his games, but he looks decisive. Unlike McCluster who likes to dance and is only effective if he can get the edge, Gray appears to make one cut and go. Appears pretty fiery as well. I'm optimistic.

He's patient, yet decisive. He waits for the blocks to develop, picks his spot, and accelerates through the hole. A lot better runner than Mccluster.

[Micjones]

He's not a stop-and-go runner though.
Once he's moving at full speed he has collect himself with several steps to get going again. He's best at changing directions while on the move.

[RealSNR]

These are some pretty good articles, MicJones. Any chance you can Tonya Harding Adam Teicher?

[Micjones]

Originally Posted by SNR

These are some pretty good articles, MicJones. Any chance you can Tonya Harding Adam Teicher?

Teicher's forgotten more about football than I'll ever know.
I know he's CP's favorite sports journalist whipping boy, but the guy has earned his stripes a hundred times over.