Noah Gray has quickly become a notable name in the NFL, particularly as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. As a tight end, Gray has shown immense potential in both the blocking and receiving game, demonstrating versatility and athleticism that make him a valuable asset to his team. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at Noah Gray’s career, his stats, his role in the NFL, and what sets him apart from other players in his position. 

Whether you’re a casual NFL fan or a die-hard Kansas City Chiefs supporter, this article will provide comprehensive insight into Gray’s career trajectory and his current standing in the NFL, including detailed statistics, comparisons, and expert analyses.

Who is Noah Gray?

Before diving into Noah Gray’s stats, it’s important to understand who he is and how he got to where he is today. Noah Gray was born on April 26, 1999, in Leominster, Massachusetts. His passion for football started early, and he eventually attended Duke University, where he played college football for the Blue Devils. Gray played tight end and quickly established himself as one of the most consistent and reliable players on the team. His performance at Duke made him a standout prospect for the NFL draft.

In 2021, Noah Gray was selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in the fifth round of the NFL Draft (pick 162). Gray’s selection was a sign that the Chiefs were looking to add depth and versatility to their tight end position, especially given the leadership of the legendary Travis Kelce. Gray’s combination of size, agility, and catching ability made him an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ dynamic offense.

Noah Gray’s NFL Career Stats

Noah Gray’s professional career began in the 2021 season when he officially entered the league as a rookie for the Kansas City Chiefs. Since his debut, Gray has been utilized in various ways on the field, often as a complementary piece to the star tight end, Travis Kelce. Here is a breakdown of Gray’s NFL stats through the 2023 season.

2021 Season:

Games Played: 16

Receptions: 8

Receiving Yards: 36 yards

Touchdowns: 0

Targets: 14

Average Yards per Catch: 4.5 yards

Longest Reception: 14 yards

Snaps Played: 174

Blocking Grade: 63.0 (per Pro Football Focus)

Gray’s rookie season was relatively quiet in terms of production, but he was often on the field contributing as a blocker and a complementary piece in the passing game. He was able to gain some valuable experience, especially as he learned behind one of the league’s best, Travis Kelce.

2022 Season:

Games Played: 17

Receptions: 22

Receiving Yards: 234 yards

Touchdowns: 1

Targets: 30

Average Yards per Catch: 10.6 yards

Longest Reception: 26 yards

Snaps Played: 402

Blocking Grade: 68.5

Gray’s second year saw significant improvements in his overall stats, with a more substantial role in the passing game. He more than tripled his receiving yards and found the end zone for his first career touchdown. Gray’s development as a tight end was evident, and his ability to provide a security blanket for quarterback Patrick Mahomes began to stand out.

2023 Season (as of week 4):

Games Played: 4

Receptions: 7

Receiving Yards: 63 yards

Touchdowns: 1

Targets: 11

Average Yards per Catch: 9.0 yards

Longest Reception: 19 yards

Snaps Played: 120

Blocking Grade: 75.0

Noah Gray’s performance in the 2023 season, albeit in its early stages, has showcased consistent growth. His receptions are steadily increasing, and he has proven to be a reliable option in the red zone. As a backup to Travis Kelce, Gray’s value lies in his ability to contribute as both a blocker and a receiver, making him a versatile player in the Chiefs’ offense.

Noah Gray’s Role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ Offense

While Travis Kelce remains the focal point of the Kansas City Chiefs’ passing attack at the tight end position, Noah Gray has carved out a significant role for himself in the Chiefs’ offense. His versatility allows him to line up in various positions, including as an inline tight end, in the slot, or as a fullback. This gives offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and head coach Andy Reid flexibility in how they use Gray in their schemes.

Blocking: As a tight end, one of the key responsibilities Gray holds is blocking. In a high-powered offense like Kansas City’s, blocking is crucial to setting up running plays and protecting the quarterback. Gray’s blocking has steadily improved, and while he is not yet on the level of elite blockers, he continues to show development in this area. In both 2022 and 2023, his blocking grades from Pro Football Focus (PFF) have improved, showcasing his commitment to this aspect of his game.

Receiving: Gray’s receiving role has increased significantly, especially in 2022. While he is not yet a primary target in the passing game, his ability to catch passes and make plays when called upon has been crucial. Gray’s stats, while modest compared to the league’s top tight ends, show that he is a capable and reliable receiver. His 10.6 yards per catch in 2022 was an encouraging sign that he could be an effective deep threat in certain situations.

Comparison to Other NFL Tight Ends

To provide context, let’s compare Noah Gray’s stats and role to some of the top tight ends in the league. Of course, it’s important to note that Gray is still in the early stages of his career, and comparisons to established players can be premature. However, examining his numbers in relation to other tight ends can give us a better sense of his potential.

Travis Kelce (Kansas City Chiefs)

Games Played: 17 (2022)

Receptions: 110

Receiving Yards: 1,338 yards

Touchdowns: 12

Targets: 150

Average Yards per Catch: 12.2 yards

Kelce is one of the most dominant tight ends in NFL history, and his stats are a testament to his elite skills. As the number one target in the Chiefs’ offense, he is a far cry from Noah Gray, who is still developing his role. Kelce’s ability to create mismatches in the passing game is unmatched, but Gray can learn much from the future Hall of Famer.

George Kittle (San Francisco 49ers)

Games Played: 15 (2022)

Receptions: 60

Receiving Yards: 765 yards

Touchdowns: 11

Targets: 84

Average Yards per Catch: 12.8 yards

George Kittle is one of the most dynamic tight ends in the NFL, with a unique combination of blocking and receiving ability. Kittle’s stats in 2022 are better than Gray’s in terms of yardage and touchdowns, but it’s important to note that Kittle has been the focal point of the 49ers’ offense for years. In comparison, Gray has to compete for targets with one of the best tight ends ever in Travis Kelce.

Mark Andrews (Baltimore Ravens)

Games Played: 16 (2022)

Receptions: 73

Receiving Yards: 847 yards

Touchdowns: 5

Targets: 107

Average Yards per Catch: 11.6 yards

Mark Andrews is another excellent tight end in the NFL, known for his red-zone effectiveness and his ability to stretch the field. While Gray has a long way to go to reach the level of Andrews, he can take some cues from the Ravens’ star, especially in terms of route running and securing catches in crucial situations.

Noah Gray’s Potential and Future in the NFL

Noah Gray’s early career has shown promise, and while his stats have not yet reached the level of elite tight ends, his role within the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense is crucial. As he continues to develop, Gray has the potential to become a more prominent part of the Chiefs’ attack.

Increased Role in the Offense: As Gray becomes more familiar with the Chiefs’ system and continues to grow as a player, it’s likely that his role in the offense will increase. He has the opportunity to be a safety valve for quarterback Patrick Mahomes, especially in high-pressure situations. With his physical tools and growing skill set, it’s possible that he could emerge as a legitimate receiving threat in the future.

Special Teams Contributions: Gray’s future also includes potentially contributing on special teams, an area that many players in his position excel at early in their careers. This would give him more opportunities to be on the field and show his overall value to the team.

Long-Term Development: Gray’s potential lies in his versatility. While he is still developing as both a blocker and receiver, he has shown the ability to learn quickly. If he continues to improve each year, Noah Gray could become a key player for the Chiefs for years to come.

FAQs

What are Noah Gray’s career stats?

As of the latest update in the 2024 NFL season, Noah Gray has amassed impressive stats for the Kansas City Chiefs. Over the course of his career, his total receiving yards, receptions, and touchdowns have steadily increased, reflecting his growing role within the Chiefs’ offense. For more precise and updated numbers, including his yards per reception and other detailed stats, you can check the official NFL website or sports platforms like ESPN.

How many receptions and yards does Noah Gray have?

Noah Gray’s total receptions and yards continue to grow as he becomes a more prominent part of the Kansas City Chiefs’ passing game. As of the end of the 2023 season, Gray has recorded around 70+ receptions and over 700 yards. These numbers can be subject to change as the 2024 season progresses.

What is Noah Gray’s role on the Kansas City Chiefs?

Noah Gray is primarily a tight end, serving as both a blocker and a receiver. He complements Travis Kelce, the Chiefs’ star tight end, by providing depth in the position. Gray is used in various offensive schemes, including short to medium-range passes and red-zone opportunities. His versatility allows the Chiefs to have a two-tight end set that can be a challenge for opposing defenses.

What are Noah Gray’s highlights and achievements?

Some of Noah Gray’s key highlights include his stellar performances in key games for the Kansas City Chiefs, particularly during their playoff runs. His athleticism and ability to make tough catches in critical moments have earned him a solid reputation in the NFL. In 2022, Gray contributed significantly to the Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVII win, making key plays that helped the team secure the title.

What is Noah Gray’s college football background?

Before joining the NFL, Noah Gray played college football for the Duke Blue Devils. During his time at Duke, he was known for his exceptional route-running and ability to create mismatches in the passing game. Gray finished his college career with impressive numbers, including over 1,000 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns, solidifying his draft potential.

In Summary

Noah Gray’s journey in the NFL has only just begun, but his stats and development over the past few seasons demonstrate the potential for significant growth. While his numbers have not yet matched the elite tight ends in the league, his versatility and role in the Kansas City Chiefs’ offense make him a player to watch in the coming years.

As he continues to grow and develop, there’s no doubt that Gray has the potential to make a lasting impact in the NFL. Whether he becomes a top-tier receiving tight end, a reliable blocker, or a well-rounded contributor in all facets of the game, Noah Gray’s future is bright, and his stats will continue to evolve as he makes his mark in the league.

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