**REPORT: Tennessee Titans Sign 4th-Round Pick to Rookie Contract**
The Tennessee Titans needed to bolster their inside linebacker position after losing their leading tackler, Azeez Al-Shaair, in free agency. Despite signing Kenneth Murray Jr., the team still has concerns about the depth at linebacker, as noted by Justin Melo of Music City Miracles.
“Losing Azeez Al-Shaair in free agency delivered a significant blow to the inside linebacker position. The offseason signing of Kenneth Murray Jr. wasn’t universally popular, but he’s set for a starting role. The Titans have Jack Gibbens and Otis Reese IV as borderline starters opposite him, neither of whom should be guaranteed a starting spot without competition.”
**Titans Draft Linebacker in 4th Round**
To address this need, the Titans drafted Cedric Gray with the 106th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
**Cedric Gray Signs Rookie Contract**
Gray signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4.854 million, including an $834,492 signing bonus, according to Aaron Wilson.
**Cedric Gray’s College Career**
Gray played college football at North Carolina, committing to the Tar Heels as a four-star recruit for the 2020 season. Over his tenure, he played in 51 games, starting 37, and recorded 368 tackles, 29 tackles for loss (TFLs), 8.5 sacks, five interceptions, 13 pass deflections, and five forced fumbles. In 2023, he started all 12 games, with 121 tackles, 11 TFLs, five sacks, one interception, four pass deflections, and two forced fumbles. He achieved a 76.8 pass rush grade, a 62.7 run defense grade, a 78.0 coverage grade, and a 74.0 overall PFF grade, earning a spot on the All-ACC First Team.
**Scouting Report by Lance Zierlein**
NFL Network’s Lance Zierlein provided a scouting report on Gray, stating, “Gray’s production, length, and play speed work in his favor, but he is better suited as a weak-side linebacker where he can run and chase the action. His run fits can be an issue due to a lack of play strength and technique near the line of scrimmage. His instincts are average, but he can be disruptive when playing proactively and taking aggressive, downhill shots. His playing style won’t appeal to everyone, but he has backup potential if allowed to play fast rather than with force.”
**Future Playing Time**
It remains to be seen if Cedric Gray will see significant playing time in his rookie season.
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