September 29, 2012; Athens, GA, USA; Tennessee Volunteers quarterback Tyler Bray (8) throws a pass under pressure in the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Sanford Stadium. The Bulldogs won 51-44. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
Former Tennessee Volunteer Tyler Bray, who entered the draft early, went undrafted over the weekend. It was initially reported that Bray was going to sign with the Miami Dolphins, but late last night it was confirmed that Bray had signed with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Bray was expected to be a mid round draft pick. We predicted that Bray would be drafted in the 4th round by the Steelers. His fall from mid-round value to undrafted free agent was a surprise to many analysts.
Off the field issues and maturity issues were the likely factors that kept Bray from being drafted. Even with those issues it’s still very surprising that he wasn’t drafted. Bray’s arm talent was likely the best in the draft and you’d think a team would at least take a flier on him late in the draft.
Bray declared early, foregoing his senior season at Tennessee, once Butch Jones was announced as head coach. Bray Told Jon Gruden, on “Gruden’s QB Camp” that he didn’t feel like he would fit into Jones’ spread offense. Bray said this despite the fact that Jones has a reputation for building his offense around his quarterback and not the other way around.
There will be an opportunity for Bray in Kansas City, the Chiefs recently signed quarterback Alex Smith away from the San Francisco 49ers. Smith couldn’t hold on to the starting job in San Francisco.
Tyler Bray is a complete wild card and there’s really no way to predict his success at the next level, it’s truly all up to Tyler Bray. He’ll be as good as he wants to be in the NFL.