NASHVILLE – The Titans selected North Carolina linebacker Cedric Gray in the fourth round of Saturday's NFL Draft.

Gray, selected with the 106th overall pick, was a first team All-ACC performer in 2023, and a Butkus Award semifinalist.

He's ready to show what he can do in Tennessee.

"I think I am a sideline-to-sideline backer, a guy who gets to the ball a lot," Gray said. "You have to cover a lot today as linebackers in the NFL, and I think I have an athletic ability, unique athleticism, that will be able to match up with tight ends, running backs, receivers and be able to make plays.

"One of the things I pride myself on is just getting to the ball. I think that is one of the best attributes you can have as a linebacker, just being able to get to the ball, being sideline-to-sideline, having a physical nature, and being athletic on the field and in coverage. I believe I truly have a complete game as a linebacker, and I think that will help me going into the league."

The 6-foot-2, 234-pound Gray smiled big when asked about his draft day call.

"They (said), 'Do you want to be a Titan?' It was kind of funny, he said, 'Let me think about it for a second', just joking around with me. But they made me a Titan."

Gray was highly productive in college at North Carolina.

Over three seasons, Gray played in 51 games for the Tar Heels, with 37 starts. He tallied 369 tackles with 8.5 sacks and five interceptions, along with five forced fumbles and 13 pass break-ups. He racked up 30 tackles behind the line of scrimmage.

Gray started all 12 games for the Tar Heels in 2023, when he totaled 121 tackles, five sacks, 11 tackles for a loss, and an interception, along with seven QB pressures. Gray recorded five double-digit tackle games last season, a year when he was second in the ACC in tackles.

Gray had 17 tackles, a tackle for a loss, and a half sack in the team's game against North Carolina State last season.

Gray said he considers himself a smart player, and he'd embrace the chance to wear the "green dot" on his helmet if the opportunity presents itself. Gray was a two-year captain with the Tar Heels, and made the calls on defense for those two seasons.

"I pride myself on having a great football mind, and understanding the game, understanding the defense, understanding where everyone is supposed to be, but also understand how the offense is trying to attack us, and be able to communicate, and get everybody lined up," Gray said. "I see myself as a leader. I feel like I can lead a group of men. So, I think that would fit me perfectly, being a green dot guy."