2011 NFL Draft Player Profile | Anthony Gray 

One of my sleepers for the 2011 NFL Draft, Anthony Gray is starting to move up on draft boards.
With the demand for 3-4 nose tackles at an all-time high, it’s hard to imagine a talented big man like Gray slipping through undrafted like some scouting sites have him listed. 

Gray was a two year starter for the Golden Eagles, and started a few games as a sophomore after recovering from missing his first seven games due to a lingering foot injury.

Player Name: Anthony Gray

Position: Defensive Tackle

School: Southern Mississippi

Height: 6’0

Weight: 320

Strengths

Gray’s specialty is eating space among the defensive line. He has a good initial punch off the ball, and uses his hands well. He is a natural gap stuffer, and doesn’t let too much get through him. He commands double teams at times, and carries his weight well. He has decent lateral quickness, but is best in getting off the snap quickly. He is strong enough to push the pocket, and give the linebackers breathing room to make tackles.

Weaknesses

Gray won’t get many sacks at the next level. He’s not a penetrating nose tackle, and you’ll rarely find him in the backfield making a huge stop. He’s a role player at most, with potential to be an above average nose tackle at the next level. Gray will take plays off, and may be a situational player his first season or two. He needs to improve on his overall awareness as well.

Draft Range

Gray will rise in draft boards because of his size and ability to stuff the run and eat up blockers. With many teams beginning to run the 3-4 defense, teams like Buffalo, New York (Jets), and Kansas City could take a flier on Gray in the fourth or fifth round to groom their nose tackle of the future.

NFL Comparison: Aubrayo Franklin