DONE DEAL: Multiple NFL Chiefs and Redskins Legends in Great Shock over Commanders Signing of North Carolina Tar Heels Tackling Machine that Could Boost the Commanders’ Linebackers

Cedric Grey, LB.

UNC-Chapel Hill | Atlantic Coast Conference.

College experience: Senior | Draft age: 22

Height and weight: 6′ 1.5″ / 234 lbs.

Projected Draft Status: 3rd-4th Round

Player Comparison: Jordan Hicks

Player Overview
Cedric Grey, a Fort Washington native, was a highly touted four-star linebacker prospect at Ardrey Kell High School in North Carolina. He joined the Tar Heels in 2020 but did not receive playing time until his sophomore year, when he became a key member of their defence. As a three-year starter, his output increased significantly in his junior and senior seasons. Grey made a total of 266 tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 6 combined sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and three interceptions. His stat-heavy seasons earned him All-ACC First Team honours in 2022 and 2023. He received a Senior Bowl invitation.

Cedric Grey is described as a rangy, explosive sideline-to-sideline off-ball/WILL linebacker. Grey performs best when he is proactive and forceful. However, his aggression may cause him to be out of position or miss tackles. Some believe his finest job would be as a weak side linebacker.

Strengths
Excellent physique build for the job.
Rangy player with sideline-to-sideline energy. Used as a QB spy for athletic quarterbacks.
Capable of converting agility into power. He hits with a pop.
Good tackling technique; hit and wrap tackler.
Demonstrates good intuition for diagnosing plays.
Excellent motor and effort.

Weaknesses
tends to over-pursue in space. 57 missed tackles throughout his stint as a starter.
When the OL gets hold of him, he struggles to shed blocks.
Needs more consistent play strength, particularly against the run.
Doesn’t seem good playing back, waiting for action to come to him.
Pass-rushing is uninspiring.
Let’s See His Work.
Cedric Gray’s number is #33.

Versus South Carolina (2023)

How will he fit into the team?
Linebackers have always been the weakest defensive position group. New head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. are expected to revamp one of the league’s weakest defences from last season. Cedric Grey would be a good draft pick for a linebacker room that is currently being constructed. He is an accomplished “see ball, get ball” linebacker who is used to playing in open space. Grey is a tackling machine with the aggressive mindset that Quinn and Whitt Jr. are looking for in their defensive group.