Randy Gregory’s Game Film Analysis

The Bucks finally addressed their lackluster edge room on Wednesday. Added pass rusher Randy Gregory.

Had this happened in 2022, it might have been a much more noteworthy contract.

Gregory earned a five-year, $70 million contract from the Broncos that year on the back of 47 pressures. six sack A campaign that spanned just 12 games. However, over the past two seasons combined, Gregory hasn’t been able to exceed his sack or pressure totals in 2021.

What has changed? Is there still juice in there? What does the tape say about Randy Gregory?

We reviewed three games from his 2023 season: Week 2 vs. the Commanders, Week 6 vs. the Browns, and the Super Bowl vs. the Chiefs.

What Randy Gregory is still good at

The most consistent trait Randy Gregory utilized was his length. At 6 feet 5 inches tall and with 34 inch arms, he is in the 78th and 66th percentiles for each measurement, respectively. And he knows how to use it to his advantage.

Despite his long frame, he does not play at a very high weight (approximately 250 pounds). This can make it difficult for Gregory to play with great power due to his lack of mass. He compensates for this by using his long frame to outrun opposing attackers with angles.

Former Bucs left tackle Donovan Smith learned this the hard way during the Super Bowl.

Gregory also uses his length to block passing lanes.

He can still win outside of the game.

Gregory still shows off the technique and skill that made him an early draft pick in 2015. He’s still capable of winning one-on-one against NFL tackles.

At the same time, he has the change of direction and hip flexion to turn inside from tackle-end stunts. Considering Bucs head coach Todd Bowles is a fan of the aforementioned running game, Gregory should fit perfectly into that role.

Randy Gregory’s Limits

Bucs OLB Randy Gregory and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes – Photo courtesy of USA Today

Randy Gregory still shows winning traits, but he’s not consistent enough (in my opinion) for Bucs fans to expect him to be the high-end starter the team really needs. His best role within this outside linebacker room is as a designated pass rusher.

YaYa Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka provide the best combination of pass rush and run defense, while Anthony Nelson provides high-end run defense backup. Gregory should pair up with Marquise Watts and Jose Ramirez as pass rush specialists. Gregory offers a better physical profile and more experience than the other two, but probably has a lower ceiling given his age (31 years old).

In much contrast to Nelson, Gregory is a below-average run defender. His thin frame prevents him from holding an edge against strong tackles and can cause him to be pushed out of position. That’s not to say Gregory isn’t trying. He is very athletic and gives his all for almost every rep.

And he can use his long arms to play off blocks. It’s not snap by snap.

Bucks HC Todd Bowles – Photo courtesy of USA Today

An interesting thought experiment with Gregory is whether Bowles will try to maximize the effectiveness of each player in the outside linebacker room by placing each player in situations that suit their skill set. For example, he rotates Anthony Nelson on early run-heavy downs, while using Gregory and Watts on downs where passing is more obvious.

This was not Mr. Bowles’ usual practice. He likes to position his outside linebackers like a hockey shift and completely change the line for the entire drive.

But if he chooses to change things up this year, he could take advantage of Gregory’s still-present pass-rushing arsenal and have him contribute between 4 and 6 sacks as a part-time player, worth $3 million and $2 million. Considering the incentives you might get on a one-year contract, it would be a pretty good deal.