Reminder of why Eric Gray was drafted in 5th round

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Punt returns in that video

We havent got to see much out of him. I think he broke someones ankles in the det preseason game?

I also referenced this in the board - but his last run against Philly for like 7-8 yards he hit the hole so well I was immediately like waitt that cant be
Saqoun (thinking he was the ball carrier initially) .It actually was very refreshing versus us fans being used to a tip toe to the hole

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In comment 16506019 George from PA said:

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OK, here is him running behind the NYG OL...


Eric Gray Week 5 Every Run and Catch New York Giants at Miami Dolphins NFL 2023 Rookie Oklahoma - ( New Window )

In comment 16506028 Capt. Don said:

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Yeah, I think he didn't play much because of that. I'm sure it's been his main focus of improvement.

Fast, as the old saying goes.

or did that video highlight a bynch of LB's standing in place. God forbid someone fill a hole.

But good vision/instincts by Gray to find open grass quickly.

In comment 16506036 Eric from BBI said:

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In comment 16506019 George from PA said: Quote: 😁 OK, here is him running behind the NYG OL... Eric Gray Week 5 Every Run and Catch New York Giants at Miami Dolphins NFL 2023 Rookie Oklahoma - ( New Window )

Thoroughly underwhelming so far. Hope he comes good. Can't expect much

Odd take.

to assess him. He was smothered immediately on many of those runs against the Dolphins because the blocking was so bad.

In comment 16506036 Eric from BBI said:

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In comment 16506019 George from PA said: Quote: 😁 OK, here is him running behind the NYG OL... Eric Gray Week 5 Every Run and Catch New York Giants at Miami Dolphins NFL 2023 Rookie Oklahoma - ( New Window )

Fast forward to 0:58 mark. The play that follows is what we have seen so often from the Giants line. Its fucking pathetic. Actually pathetic is an understatement. I would love to know how these guys react in a film session?

Also notice Jones as 5/5 for 50 yards. Its amazing what he does with scripted plays vs unscripted.

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In comment 16506080 sb from NYT Forum said:

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And some that were not.

You seem to like him. I reca he had good patience finding his blocks but couldn’t get a feel for him last year due to the horrific OL and the teams commitment to feed Barkley to justify an extension when he wasn’t hurt. He also was a rookie and had the typical pass protection issues.

I think he gets beat out by the rookie by mid season as long as rookie pass pro isn’t an issue. The new guy is faster and has better hands. Finally nice to have legit competition at the position doesn’t it?

In comment 16506081 Eric from BBI said:

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In comment 16506080 sb from NYT Forum said: Quote: . And some that were not.

I get the optimism, and I hope he plays well. I like that he's a tough runner.

The problems I see are that he is a one-cut type RB, but his wiggle looks stiff. That's OK in a big hole or against slow defenders, but might not be good enough in the NFL. So I worry that his game does not translate to the pro level.

Honestly I like Corbin more in the #2 or #3 RB role.

But he was in a bad situation and too early to judge.

In a lost season last year we barely saw what this kid could do.

I’m curious to see how he does this year. He seemed to lack the quickness and acceleration needed to me. But there wasn’t a big enough sample size to make any determination one way or the other

You just described Corbin too. So your comment doesn't make much sense.

behind Singletary.

If only Gray had that extra gear.

Coming out of the draft. Has a knack for making the first guy miss, at least in college. Not fast, but he has a good burst.

I think the Giants off-season moves indicate that EG is a guy they expect to make a leap. Singletary is decent but has never been a workhorse. No other notable additions besides a 5th rounder, lost their top 2 backs from last year.

I know there isn’t much hope around here for Gray because he was a bit underwhelming last year. But a lot of Rams fans were out on Kyren Williams before last season too…

Reminded of how bad our O-line stunk - like a sewage treatment plant.

He's solid and dependable but shouldn't really be part of a rotation unless injuries hit. I'm way more intrigued by Tracy.

In comment 16506146 Eric from BBI said:

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You just described Corbin too. So your comment doesn't make much sense.

I disagree, but whatever

He is good one on one but can’t create on his own. If the blocking is better and he can get to the second level he can be good, he’s got some open field ability. Doesn’t break a lot of tackles but can make people miss. His biggest issue is speed, but plenty of RBs have succeeded with that issue.

The Giants should be better running as a whole than last year. Better OL and now better WRs to back people up a step. I think Breida would be better with the 2024 Giants with his speed.

Hopefully this year, the line can at least be decent. I have never seen an OL play as badly as the Giants have in any level, ever. I honestly I didn’t know it was possible to be that bad. And that’s just straight up blocking. Trying to block stunts was like trying to learn quantum physics. I’ve never seen anything like it in my 48yrs on this planet.

Hopefully the improved OL should help everyone.

Definitely my favorite - I’ve never seen anyone even attempt that move. It didn’t get him anywhere as the ground gave out but pretty cool improv.

Wan’Dale’s block on the run that was called back was also great.

To me I think it would be ...

1. Vision
2. Quickness
3. Contact balance
4. Ability to make guys miss (either with quickness or ability to break tackles)

This is why I am excited about Tracy. He seems to have these traits.

Might be better this year than last. Nobody a threat to take it 80 yards but hopefully multiple options and variety of strengths

In comment 16506036 Eric from BBI said:

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In comment 16506019 George from PA said: Quote: 😁 OK, here is him running behind the NYG OL... Eric Gray Week 5 Every Run and Catch New York Giants at Miami Dolphins NFL 2023 Rookie Oklahoma - ( New Window )

Man this pisses me off. That OL was literally garbage.

In comment 16506462 armstead98 said:

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Might be better this year than last. Nobody a threat to take it 80 yards but hopefully multiple options and variety of strengths

I believe Saquon had only one rush over 40 yards the past two years.

Disclaimer: I admit, I may be wrong in saying this, I thought I read that somewhere.

It seems like you are really saying this is why they drafted him. By adding the 5th round into that comment, it makes it seem like you are giving a reason he wasn't drafted earlier.

Is how he plants his foot and makes these explosive cuts in college. Unfortunately I saw none of that last year.

10) Eric Gray – Oklahoma – 5’10/207

Grade: 76

NFL Comparison: Mark Ingram / NO

Senior entry. Three-year starter from Memphis, TN. Spent two years at Tennessee before transferring to Oklahoma for his final two seasons. Second team All-Big 12 in 2022. Ended his career with almost double the usage and production of any other season in his career, finishing with the ninth most single-season rushing yards in Oklahoma history. Gray brings a tremendous physical profile and body to the table. He looks like he is manufactured in a running back factory and has the quality tape to back it up. He can fit into any running scheme but will be best suited for action between the tackles. There is where he can truly maximize the plus-burst, balance, and strength. Gray also has proven to carry a pair of elite hands as a receiver. While he may not end up with the best long speed in the group, Gray will create explosive plays with how decisive and violent he can run downhill while always maintaining the ability to abruptly stop and change direction. Gray is an ideally-built, versatile team player that fits into the every-down role at the next level.

*Gray was a favorite of mine when it came to the surface level scouting. He is not a very big guy, but he is huge in the right places. His lower half is put together almost like Saquon. His short limbs work well with the kind of movement we need to see out of running backs. Short, choppy, balanced movements that can get in and out of small spaces in a hurry. When he reaches the open field, he can be caught from behind but do not overlook just how much his burst can create initially. Gray is a guy that, if he hooks up with the right team (SF, PHI, BAL) – he is going to be a 1,000-yard rusher. An overlooked attribute in his game shows up as a receiver. He was targeted a lot (102 times last three years combined) and dropped just two of them, a very good number for anyone let alone a back with power.

A guy like Gray would have gotten a bunch more snaps, and that bigger sample size would really have been beneficial. What a waste of not doing that.