Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Dwayne Gratz (Connecticut) - 2013 NFL Draft Pick #64 by JAX

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Dwayne Gratz (2013 NFL Draft)

Player Position: Cornerback

College: University of Connecticut

Overview

Dwayne Gratz was considered one of the more solid cornerback prospects heading into the 2013 NFL Draft. He showcased a combination of size, speed, and ball skills that made him an intriguing option for NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary.

Strengths

• Physicality: Gratz displayed a physical playing style, excelling in press coverage and demonstrating the ability to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage.
• Coverage Skills: He had good instincts and awareness in zone and man-to-man coverage, allowing him to track the ball effectively and make plays on it.
• Ball Skills: Gratz showed an ability to locate the football in the air, resulting in several pass breakups and interceptions during his college career.
• Work Ethic: His dedication to improving his game and willingness to put in the work in practice were noted by coaches and scouts alike.

Weaknesses

• Inconsistency: At times, Gratz struggled with consistency in his technique, leading to missed tackles and lapses in coverage.
• Speed Concerns: While he possessed decent straight-line speed, there were questions about his ability to keep up with faster receivers at the NFL level.
• Injury History: Some scouts noted concerns about past injuries that could affect his durability in the professional ranks.

Projected Draft Position

Gratz was projected to be selected in the mid to late rounds of the draft, with potential as a solid nickel cornerback or a depth piece for a secondary in need of youth and talent.

Dwayne Gratz was seen as a player with the potential to contribute at the NFL level. His physical style of play and ability to make plays on the ball made him an appealing prospect for teams in search of defensive backs who could make an immediate impact.