STRENGTHS - Gragg's ability to get off the LOS quickly enables him to either gain leverage block or a step against coverage. Gragg's strength and physicality enables him to knock the LB / DL off the LOS giving a room for the ball carrier or more time to set for the QB. His strong legs enable him to get low and explode up and drive his legs. He is able to block consistently without penalty. His quickness enables him to get up the field quickly. Gragg is also a very solid route runner, uses his quickness to his advantage and will cause mis-matches with LB's when going down the field. He showed the ability to run tight smooth routes and has the ability to plant hard, freezing the defender and explode off the plant. Shows solid hands, will go and grab the ball out of the air, allowing him to turn and get upfield
WEAKNESSES - While Gragg shows strength and physicality in blocking, he has a very slim makeup which concerns me as to whether he will be able to sustain the strength in the NFL as an every down TE. Gragg has the tendency to lower his head, making him susceptible to getting knocked to the ground or the defender getting by him easily. In run blocking he showed a tendency to hesitate and seemed confused as to his blocking assignments. When he is beat off the edge he struggles to react quickly enough and will need to improve his hip turn and slide his feet better in order to slide back into the pocket and pick up the blown block.
SUMMARY - Gragg shows both the ability to block consistently and the ability to be a reliable receiving threat. He has the speed to get down field causing a mis-match with most LB's. His route running is very smooth and crisp, shows the ability to make hard cuts, freezing the defender and explode off the plant, enabling him to give the QB an easy target over the middle or on down and outs. His hands make him reliable and by taking the ball out of the air, he allows himself to turn upfield more quickly. When he is able to turn upfield, he does not have the strength to gain much yardage after first contact and does have the tendency to be tackled upon first hit. Gragg shows the consistently at the collegiate level to be a solid blocker and blocks with technique without penalty, keeping his hands inside and uses his legs to drive the DL / LB off the LOS. Gragg's tendency to put his head down will cause him to get knocked to the ground, especially against the stronger defensive players. In 2012, Gragg did not see very much action as he was injured in the Rugers game with a bone bruise in the leg and was again injured against Mississippi. With a slim frame, he is going to struggle at the next level being a consistent 3 down blocking tight end as well as consistently being healthy. Gragg will find his way on a team due to his speed and route running ability and the mis-match he can cause against the LB's. Overall, at this point, Gragg will not be an every down TE but I believe he will get an opportunity as a pass catching Tight End, and could be effective in a 2 TE package, especially against 34 defenses.