Breaking Down the Potential Impact of Danny Gray, NFL Rookie Wide Receiver

Photo Credit: CBS Sports

Our thoughts on 2022 NFL rookie Wide Receiver, Danny Gray.

Measurables:

• 6’0" 197 lbs.

• 4.33 40-yard dash

• 34” Vertical Jump

• 10’6” Broad Jump

"Gray can absolutely fly before and after the catch, and worked at every level of the field."

Strengths:

• Excellent athletic traits

• Speed to eat up DB cushion; clocked at 22 MPH during Senior Bowl

• 98th-percentile 40 time and 92nd-percentile speed score

• Natural tracking skills and timing for over-shoulder grabs

• Outruns pursuit angles with explosion and good instincts post-catch

• Great twitch as a route runner

• 133.3 QB Rating when targeted

• Works at every level with his routes; he's effective short, mid, and deep

• Good blocker

Weaknesses:

• Lean frame and build is not ideal

• Too many throws end up off his hands

• 7 drops in 2021 and 10 the last 2 seasons

• Average contact balance means he doesn't break many tackles

• Not a very physical receiver; needs to work on play strength

• Minimal experience against press coverage

• Missed multiple games each season at SMU

• Little Special Teams work in college

Scouting Report

Two-year starter at SMU, Danny Gray was an inside and outside receiver in their Air Raid scheme. After a couple years at JUCO, he joined the Mustangs for the past 2 seasons, leading the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns last year. Gray can absolutely fly before and after the catch, and worked at every level of the field. Overall, Gray needs to work on route running and curb the drops, but with his speed and playmaking ability, he could be the 49ers future WR2 if Deebo moves on. He definitely has the skills to at least be a weapon for Kyle Shanahan.