Combine Results
Grade
62.1 ?4.47 SEC
Top Performer22 REPS
Top Performer38.0 INCH
Top Performer125.0 INCH
Top Performer6.70 SEC
Top Performer4.15 SEC
Top Performer
Blue Star = Combine Top Performer
Draft Analysis:
"That fits. What he'll do in Jacksonville is he'll be an immediate starter." -- Mike Mayock
- 5'11" Height
- 32 1/8" Arm Length
- 201LBS. Weight
- 10 1/2" Hands
Overview
Even though Connecticuts 2011 Orange Bowl, 48-20, blowout loss to Oklahoma was not particularly fine moment for the Huskies - or Big East Conference football - Gratz actually matched his teams offensive point total (six, as the other touchdown came on a kickoff return) by intercepting Sooners quarterback Landry Jones and returning the ball 46 yards to the end zone. Making that sort of play as a sophomore, and building on it over the next two years, has allowed scouts to project him as mid to late-round pick.
Gratz was a first-team all-region pick in Piscataway, N.J., as well as an all-county pick in track (he set the school record in the 55-meter hurdles), but Big East rival Rutgers couldnt lock him up. In his redshirt freshman season, he played in all 13 games, coming on to start four of the last five games of the regular season (20 tackles, four pass break-ups). He started all 13 games of UConns co-Big East championship 2010 season (63 tackles, two interceptions, nine pass break-ups) that unfortunately ended with the BCS bowl loss to the Sooners. The team didnt make it to a bowl at all in 2011, though Gratz played well enough as a 12-game starter (53 tackles, 4.5 for loss, three interceptions, four pass breakups) to garner second-team All-Big East honors from league coaches. As a senior, Gratz registered 53 tackles, 11 pass breakups, and three interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown. He was named second-team All-Big East for the second consecutive year.
Analysis
Weaknesses
Aggressiveness can be used against him, keeps his eyes in the backfield a long time, allowing his man to get deep and he lacks pure recovery speed to catch up. Struggles to track the football. Drops his head and goes down to the ground too early on some tackle attempts. Backpedal can be slow and choppy. Looks to be stiff in the hips.NFL Comparison
Bradley FletcherBottom Line
Gratz first stepped into the limelight with a 46-yard interception return for a touchdown against Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones in the teams 48-20 loss to the Sooners in the 2011 Orange Bowl. He followed that up with two consecutive second-team All-Big East seasons, using his NFL-quality size, strength, and agility to handle receivers on the outside. As there are some questions about his long speed and hips, a potential move to safety could be in his future. However, Gratz will still likely find himself selected in the middle to late rounds.
×
| Grade | Title | Draft (Round) | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| 96-100 | Future Hall of Famer | Top Pick | A once-in-a-generation type prospect who could change how his position is played |
| 85-95 | Immediate Starter | 1st | An impact player with the ability/intangibles to become a Pro Bowl player. Expect to start immediately except in a unique situation (i.e. behind a veteran starter). |
| 70-84 | Eventual Starter | 2nd-3rd | A quality player who will contribute to the team early on and is expected to develop into a starter. A reliable player who brings value to the position. |
| 50-69 | Draftable Player | 4th-7th | A prospect with the ability to make team as a backup/role player. Needs to be a special teams contributor at applicable positions. Players in the high range of this category might have long-term potential. |
| 20-49 | Free Agent | UDFA | A player with solid measurables, intangibles, college achievements, or a developing skill that warrants an opportunity in an NFL camp. In the right situation, he could earn a place on a 53-man roster, but most likely will be a practice squad player or a camp body. |
