STRENGTHS - Gratz's good backpedal, loose hips and overall quickness enable him to play press man and "off" successfully. He has the hips to turn and run without losing a step off the LOS and can stay with receiver on deep route. He seems to enjoy playing physical and will jam receiver at the LOS to slow release. Once receiver releases off LOS, he has the ability to get back into coverage quickly and has the agility and quickness to stay with receiver out of his cuts. He closes on the ball carrier well although he could explode to the ball quicker than he shows. He has the quickness to close on a RB or TE in coverage. Very intelligent player, will play his spot well against hte run and will contain the ball carrier & not allow him to break contain to make a long run.
WEAKNESSES - While Gratz plays intelligently and will contain the ball carrier, there are times where he has the opportunity to close but will play that contain defense, giving the ball carrier more yards than he should. While he enjoys playing physical on the LOS trying to slow receiver's release, he needs to become more physical with the receiver during route and do a better job of fighting through a receiver's block to make tackles. He is hesitant at times and will allow a teammate to go for the play rather than him going for the play himself, allowing the ball carrier to gain more yardage. He needs to plant, drive and close faster on passes in front of him in "zone" coverage to avoid getting to the receiver just in time to make the tackle after the catch.
SUMMARY - Gratz is a physical CB at the LOS, plays very well in bump and run, and has the ability to maintain coverage down the field. He has quick hips and has terrific footwork, which enable him to get back into coverage quickly if he is turned around on a route or if he bites on a pump fake. He tends to be a very cerebral player in that he will not go for the blow up hit and chance missing the tackle allowing the ball carrier to make a big play. He will stay at home, contain the runner and force him inside or outside allowing teammates time to come over to make the play. He can be too hesitant at times and will contain the runner instead of making the tackle giving the ball carrier more yards than he should have gotten. Overall, Gratz plays very good in press and "off" coverage, plays very tight coverage throughout and shows excellent ball skills to break up passes without committing a penalty. He will need to improve on his play in "zone" coverage - He does not plant, drive and close fast enough to consistently make plays on the ball. Overall, Gratz has the talent to be a productive starting cornerback in the NFL, but needs to improve his play in "zone" coverage to be a complete cornerback.