Titans linebacker Cedric Gray entered the league as a fourth-round draftee last year, but his rookie campaign got off to an inauspicious start. He was placed on injured reserve at the end of August, and though he eventually got into seven games, he played just 48 defensive snaps. 
He stands to earn considerably more playing time in 2025. Head coach Brian Callahan, via Jim Wyatt of the Titans’ official website, said Gray has come a long way and is making a case to start alongside fellow inside ‘backer Cody Barton in the middle of Tennessee’s defense.
Gray, who will turn 23 in October, has tallied seven tackles in each of the Titans’ first two preseason games, including a half-sack in their victory over the Falcons on Friday. He made a name for himself as a prolific tackler at Chapel Hill, collecting 266 total stops across the 2022-23 seasons with UNC. The former Tar Heels’ team captain earned First-Team All-ACC acclaim in both years.
Despite being selected in the fourth round, Gray was still only the seventh linebacker off the board, and scouts lauded his football IQ. Fellow 2024 draftee James Williams, who earned one start last year, represents one of Gray’s primary competitors for playing time, but Gray offers higher upside.
In terms of total defense, the Titans were one of the NFL’s best units last season (although they finished near the bottom of the pack in scoring defense). This year, with rookie QB Cam Ward at the controls and something of a middling collection of skill-position talent, the defense will again be counted upon to keep the team competitive.
Gray is likely in position to play a key role in that regard. If he does indeed clinch a first-team spot at the second level of the defense, his performance while handling an increased workload will be something to monitor especially in the early portion of the season. Provided Gray fares well in a starting gig, he could hold onto it for years to come while playing out his rookie contract.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.