Chiefs Draft Rnd 6: A&M RB Cyrus Gray

With upgrades along the offensive line in free agency and the NFL Draft, the Kansas City Chiefs addressed another strength in the sixth round when they selected Texas A&M running back, Cyrus Gray.

In day three of the draft, it’s not often you find extreme value in the sixth round. The Chiefs did just that when they secured the rights to one of the better second tier running backs in college football.

At A&M, Gray had a monster career. He rushed for 3,298 yards and found the end zone 30 times, including 12 in 2011. Gray could provide the Chiefs with a trio of rushing weapons that could salt away games late and create matchups for opposing defenses in what will be a ball controlled offense this season in Kansas City.

With Jamaal Charles returning in 2012, after season ending knee surgery a year ago, the addition of free agent Peyton Hillis in March, the addition of Gray will give Kansas City the potential to lead the AFC West in rushing this season.

It’s a bit surprising that Gray lasted until the sixth round, when far less productive runners of his size and stature, were drafted several rounds ahead of him.

With the loss of Jackie Battle, the up and down career of Dexter McCluster, Gray is a perfect insurance policy for this football team. He’s already an accomplished runner and he does remind me a bit of Charles. He runs upright, has good speed, but he’s also a patient runner - who waits on his holes before attacking the line of scrimmage.

But he’s not afraid to take on blockers and has decent hands to catch balls out of the backfield. Though the Chiefs might have reached a bit with other positions in this draft, the fact they were able to roll the dice and grab Grey this late - is a big get for Scott Pioli and company.

And if Charles is slow to come around and get back to the field for the season opener, Gray played in a big time program at A&M and he won’t be daunted by the jump to the NFL.

In other words, he’ll be ready from the get go.
WARPAINT ILLUSTRATED MESSAGE BOARDS:
How many carries a game do you think Cyrus Gray will get in 2012?

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