From article in Akron Beacon Journal
Passing reigns in today’s NFL, so many tight ends resist the “blocker” label. The Browns found one who actually seems to embrace it.
They signed former Arizona Cardinals tight end Jim Dray as an unrestricted free agent Thursday, the team announced. A league source, speaking on condition of anonymity because terms of the deal were not announced, confirmed that Dray received a three-year, $5.625 million contract.
Asked during a conference call whether he feels like he’s been unfairly labeled as a blocking tight end, Dray said, “Not really. I enjoy blocking. That’s traditionally what the tight ends are used for. I can also catch balls when they are thrown to me. It doesn’t bother me.
“I like to think that I could execute every kind of block, out of the backfield, on line, on-line pass blocking, picking up blitzes, lead blocking, iso blocks.”
His agent, Steve Baker, is quick to mention blocking, too.
“The Browns as well as a number of a other teams were very aggressive over the weekend about wanting to sign him,” Baker said in a phone interview. “Jim is very much a multi-dimensional player in that he can play both tight end and H-back. While a number of people around the league have told me that he’s like having a sixth offensive lineman, he also has great hands.”
Dray, 27, spent the past four seasons with the Cardinals. Last season, he started 15 games and had career highs with 26 catches, 215 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
“I was given an opportunity to play quite a bit, when I hadn’t the other seasons,” Dray said. “I was able to catch a few balls and make some catches and play consistently, so that’s why I think it was my best season.”
“I feel like I’m just scratching the surface, and I think I can do more,” Dray said. “You always have confidence in yourself that you can get the job done.”
In 2010, the Cardinals drafted the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Dray in the seventh round out of Stanford University. He has started 18 of the 55 games in which he has appeared, compiling 33 catches for 302 yards and two touchdowns.
Dray will join a tight ends corps led by Pro Bowler Jordan Cameron. The Browns also have Gary Barnidge, who served as Cameron’s primary backup last season, MarQueis Gray, Keavon Milton and Andre Smith on the roster.
The Browns obviously won’t keep six tight ends heading into next season. Dray is not fazed by the numbers game, and he shouldn’t be. He believes new Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan makes good use of tight ends, and that he’ll be a good fit in the system. The Browns agree, and they hope they’re right.