Grading the Chiefs’ pick of Duke tight end Noah Gray at 162

With the 162nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs took Duke tight end Noah Gray. We have insta-grades from the three members of the Arrowhead Pride Nerd Squad.

Kent: We had Noah Gray with a fourth-round grade — and he was one of Jake Stack’s “My Guy” stamps in the 2021 KC Draft Guide. Gray should be a unique addition to the tight end room — someone who can play as an H-back, but may not be a traditional in-line player. Gray showed some ability as a pass catcher — and he just got into an absolutely perfect situation for him. Another high fit — and a great value in the back end of the fifth round.

Grade: A

Craig: Gray is an athletic, move tight end with good agility and good route running ability. He may not have the mass to line up regularly as an in-line blocker, but he would make a lot of sense as an H-back in some 12 personnel looks. Andy Reid’s creativity with tight end screens and leak concepts will definitely apply to Gray, so he could prove to be a nice alternative weapon in the Kansas City offense. This is great value for a player who could contribute early.

Grade: A-

Matt: Given his smaller size, Noah Gray won’t be a fit for every team as a traditional tight end — but he’s an incredibly fun player. As a move-tight end or an H-back, Gray gives a ton of effort as a blocker and does a good job making contact out in space. As a receiver, he’s incredibly fluid in and out of his breaks — and has the speed to threaten up the seam. His footwork and hips look like they belong to a wideout rather than a tight end, which will constantly generate receiving mismatches. In the future, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Gray get some use as a true H-back or fullback for the Chiefs.

Grade: A