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!

[Bump]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

Yeah I usually sweat 6th round picks.

lol I think there was another guy or 2 I wanted, I usually don't give a shit who the 6th or 7th rounders are. Cant remember though

[Pasta Little Brioni]

Originally Posted by Dave Lane

Yeah I usually sweat 6th round picks.

I remember the board going apeshit over not drafting Jammin Meredith and Cam Thomas and how the team would rue to regret it.....Big loss that was.

[Urc Burry]

His running style reminds me of Shady McCoy

[BigChiefFan]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Seriously? 9 times out of 10, guys like this don't make it or flame out quick.

I'll root for him, but let's be realistic.
Posted via Mobile Device

Don't look too much into it. I just believe he has a chance to make the team and make a contribution. With Hillis being on a one year deal, he'll get every opportunity to show if he can get the job done.

I like his skill-set as a HB and think he has a chance to become our number two(for next season), if he should really show he has what it takes. I realize he's a late round draft pick-this isn't my first dance, babe. Just rooting for a Chief draftee. Nothing more, nothing less.

[Bump]

Originally Posted by Urc Burry

His running style reminds me of Shady McCoy

nah, McCoy is freaking good! He's the first person you could even think, he's sort of like Barry Sanders, not as great, but you know...

[Setsuna]

LOL this is non news. I already told all yall what he'd do.

[sedated]

I was excited about the pick.

Im not sayin, Im just sayin:

Gray junior year: 200 rush, 1133 yds, 5.7 avg, 12 TD, 34 rec
Gray senior year: 198 rush, 1045 yds, 5.3 avg, 12 TD, 31 rec

MJD soph year: 160 rush, 1007 yds, 6.3 avg, 8 TD, 18 rec
MJD junior year: 186 rush, 914 yds, 4.9 avg, 13 TD, 31 rec

Gray: 5'10" 206 lb
MJD: 5'7" 208 lb

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Deberg_1990

Seriously? 9 times out of 10, guys like this don't make it or flame out quick.

I'll root for him, but let's be realistic.
Posted via Mobile Device

He has the good advantage of being a running back. Easiest position at which to find a job in the NFL. The odds are far greater that he'll "make it" in this league than become a failure

[mcaj22]

Originally Posted by PGM

I remember the board going apeshit over not drafting Jammin Meredith and Cam Thomas and how the team would rue to regret it.....Big loss that was.

this board is still going apeshit over Jerrell Powe as some NT savior. The dude probably wont even make the team this year