The Chiefs 5 Main Qualities in Pre-Draft Evaluation

[Dante84]

A nugget from Nate Taylor's article in the Athletic:

The Chiefs believe each of their six draft picks — linebacker Nick Bolton, center Creed Humphrey, Kaindoh, Gray, receiver Cornell Powell and guard Trey Smith — can make their opening-day 53-man roster and provide quality depth. The team’s belief came from each prospect possessing the five main qualities it desires most in the pre-draft evaluation period: intelligence, durability, production, consistency and leadership.

For example, Gray was one of Duke’s team captains (leadership), a player who was named to the Academic All-ACC team (intelligence). He played in 48 games during his college career (durability) and was effective as a receiver (production) while dropping just three passes out of 107 catchable targets during his career (consistency), according to Pro Football Focus. Coach Andy Reid was intrigued by Gray’s versatility. Last season, Gray recorded 237 snaps in the slot, 139 on the line at the traditional tight end spot and 120 in the backfield.

The Chiefs are eager to see Gray learn and play alongside star tight end Travis Kelce.

“You just watch the kid run routes and separate,” Bradway said of Gray. He has a lot of traits that translate to the next level. Even when he’s not getting the ball, you can see him get open. He’s very savvy, very instinctive. He showed up that first (game) in 2019 against Alabama, and from there he’s shown the ability to play against high-level competition and produce.”

This will be helpful in future years as we do mocks and narrow in on possible targets.