Cyril Grayson Ready To Rock
May 23rd, 2022
Opportunity knocking again.
One pleasant surprise last year was the sudden, out-of-nowhere development of reserve Bucs wide receiver Cyril Grayson.
Joe likes to refer to him as the immortal Cyril Grayson. Why? Former Bucs offensive lineman and sports radio personality Ian Beckles shrieked on his podcast two years ago when Grayson botched a pass along the left sideline from Brady.
Beckles bellowed, “Who the hell is Cyril Grayson? I never heard of this guy in my life!”
Joe suspects more and more people will hear of Grayson. He should have had the game-winning touchdown against the slimy Saints on the road last year and he did have the game-winning score in the final seconds in a win over at the Jets, a game in which fellow Bucs receiver Antonio Brown went bananas, stripped off his uniform and did topless jumping jacks in the end zone.
Out of the clear blue sky, the greatest quarterback who ever lived was suddenly throwing passes to Grayson in clutch situations.
Grayson, a track star at LSU who never played football there, might get another chance or chances to prove himself again this fall. With Chris Godwin out for who knows how long, it’s a good bet that new Bucs receiver Russell Gage will play Godwin’s spot at slot. That leaves an outside receiver position open.
And there is speedster Grayson.
Last week at underwear football practice, Joe asked Grayson about how he may get a bunch of snaps until Godwin finishes his knee rehab.
“I think that is just opportunity,” Grayson said of potentially more playing time. “Something that I have to try to take advantage of every time. It’s something that I am used to. Obviously, I am looking forward to that.
“Put my best foot forward so that I can show that even when Chris gets back, that I will continue to get a couple of snaps or however many [Bucs offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich wants] or stay in as a starter or whatever that may look like.”
Obviously, Grayson wants more playing time. Myron Lewis was one of the very few Bucs players Joe has met that didn’t want playing time, so long as the Team Glazer checks cashed. But Grayson made it clear he wants to win just as badly if not more so than he wants snaps.
“Whatever it takes to help the team be the best that we can be,” Grayson said. “That’s what is important. Getting more reps will help with that experience to be able to play faster when gametime comes.”
Joe has to hand it to the Bucs. They’re very unselfish and not bickering about snaps. Joe has a hunch part of that is Tom Brady.
But you have to figure selflessness is in the profile of players the Bucs pursue. The only guy the Bucs had who b!tched about playing time can’t find a job despite his Hall of Fame talent because he’s such a mental patient.
May 23rd, 2022 at 12:21 am
I may be in the minority but I think this kid has ‘grit’.
May 23rd, 2022 at 1:27 am
I’m rooting for this guy, there is no quit in him, he’s going to have a break out year.
May 23rd, 2022 at 2:24 am
From the quotes, he doesn’t seem to have an abundance of confidence.
May 23rd, 2022 at 7:03 am
If his hammy’s hold up he could become a good player. I just don’t trust track guys to stay healthy.
May 23rd, 2022 at 7:04 am
Grayson has such a small ‘body of work’ that it’s hard to know what to really expect from him going forward. But last year was eye-opening, even though he was only targeted 12 times on the season: 10 catches (83.3% catch rate) for 215 yds (19.5 yds/reception), 2 TDs, 8 first downs, plus 1 rush for 14 yds & another 1st down.
So Cyril either scores a TD or he makes a 1st down; not too shabby for someone who got minimal opportunities last season.
May 23rd, 2022 at 7:24 am
periman caught winning touchdown at jets joe
May 23rd, 2022 at 7:26 am
We have some good depth with Grayson…….is everyone forgetting about Perriman…….I look forward to him having a great year…
May 23rd, 2022 at 7:37 am
@DavidG that was Buffalo
But that’s also what doesn’t make me sweat Godwins’ return timetable because all the guys we’re bringing behind Evan & Gage have been here the last 1-3 years in this system and have made some big time plays for us in limited action.
May 23rd, 2022 at 7:52 am
I wish nothing but the best for this kid and I hope that he makes me look stupid, but if he’s a starter, that means Mike is going to get mugged even more than normal.
Wishing and hoping that marginal players developed was something that I got used to in the 80’s and early 90’s because their really wasn’t much of a choice given our sorry state of ownership, front office, etc. back then. We’ve come a long way since and their are no excuses for not selling out this year and saying to hell with the future. Suh should be a priority as well as finding another starting caliber outside corner and another receiver that has proven himself to be good.
May 23rd, 2022 at 8:52 am
He’s raw, but showed improvement last season. Correct me if I’m wrong, but I remember him being targeted 3 times in 2020, and two of those three passes bounced off his helmet. He was pretty solid in the comedy relief role. There was solid improvement last season, but no one sane projects him as a quality WR3 at the start of this season.
Let’s hope one of these guys can make a jump as a WR3.
May 23rd, 2022 at 9:41 am
I mean he’s shown he can catch the ball, but can he stay healthy?
May 23rd, 2022 at 1:41 pm
I think it would be better to have Gage play outside and Grayson in the slot until Godwin returns. The analytics say Gage actually performed better when outside than in the slot, and that’s where he will be when Godwin returns. Also if I remember correctly, it was Grayson in the slot last year when Godwin went down. Looking forward to seeing if Grayson can build on last year! There’s also a chance that Tyler Johnson improves in year 3, or that Scotty Miller is back to his old self. Can’t wait for training camp! LFG
May 23rd, 2022 at 2:26 pm
I think the front office is majorly counting on Grayson/Miller/Darden to replace Tyler Johnson as the 4th receiver in this offense. My money is on Grayson since he can block and also fly.
May 23rd, 2022 at 3:35 pm
I love Grayson , but I get worried when guys get hurt without being hit. Scores a game winning touchdown against The Jets then disappears. Reminds me of my man Jose Canseco. He’d hit a 500 ft homer and get hurt eating dinner. Hope Grayson makes it, he’s got talent. GOBUCS!
May 23rd, 2022 at 9:01 pm
One of the guys I want to see have a breakout season.