Eric Gray – 2023 Fantasy Football Outlook
Running Back – Oklahoma
5’9” 205 lbs
5th Round – 37th Pick (172nd Overall) – New York Giants
Oklahoma’s Eric Gray joined the New York Giants in the fifth round of the NFL Draft, selected 172nd overall. In his final college season, he gained 1595 total yards, scored 11 touchdowns, and averaged 5.6 YPC. Gray’s running style is characterized by a low center of gravity that allows him to maintain balance and power. Additionally, he eludes defenders with his sharp cuts. He also maintains great contact balance that keeps him upright after being hit. Finally, he catches screen passes with ease.
As for negatives, Gray lacks top-end speed and takes time to re-accelerate after slowing down. He has shown a limited ability to break away from defenders. Additionally, Gray has average power as a runner, making him less effective in short-yardage situations. Furthermore, his lack of route-running skills limits his ability as a receiver. Overall, Gray’s athleticism is lacking and hurts his ceiling as an NFL prospect.
Overall, Gray’s strengths outweigh his weaknesses, making him a valuable addition to the Giants’ running back corps. He has the potential to be an NFL-ready runner and a versatile asset for the Giants’ offense, even though he is currently a backup on the Giants’ roster.
Fantasy Football Outlook
If you have Saquon Barkley in your fantasy football leagues this year, it may be wise to stash Gray as a handcuff in case of an injury. That is of course, assuming you still handcuff your running backs. Anymore, it’s not a very popular strategy in more shallow redraft leagues. However, Gray serves very little value in redraft leagues unless you drafted Barkley early on, otherwise, Gray should go undrafted. Despite his ADP, he has the ability to have good games given the opportunity. Additionally, he checks multiple boxes as a potential NFL and fantasy football running back.
At over 200 pounds and a BMI of 30, Gray has an NFL body that can handle the workload. In addition, his 27% dominator rating in college further proves his workhorse capability given the chance. Lastly, Gray will also score points as a pass catcher as proven by his 12.3% target share in college.
Dynasty Outlook
Gray is a viable choice for a late-round flyer in all dynasty fantasy football league formats. The Giants franchise tagged Barkley this off-season, indicating that he may not return to the Giants in 2024. This could potentially open the door for Gray to step up in the future if Barkley is no longer with the team. Gray will be a decent spot starter given the chance.
Currently, he is the rookie RB18 according to Keep Trade Cut. In conclusion, Gray belongs on your taxi squad for the time being. For the most part, he should either go undrafted in your dynasty rookie drafts, or in the 4th round or so.
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