re: Kiper 3-Round "A-Grade" Draft (Insider article)

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Does Gregory have character issues beyond the positive pot test? Cuz these days, that's not exactly a glaring red flag of a critically deficient character.

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Apparently there are other character concerns with Gregory but weed seems to be the major concern. It isn't the fact that he likes to smoke but the wreckless behavior that has revolved around his smoking. He could have least tried to beat the system. The worse part is he has failed test during the time period he has the most to lose.

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Teams already had serious concerns about Gregory's character and marijuana use in the fall. Several general managers, personnel directors and scouts that I talked to in the fall cited Gregory as a "character risk" during our conversations and expressed the need to dig deeper into his background before endorsing him as a top pick. Scouts who had spent time on the Nebraska campus repeatedly told me his marijuana habits were bigger concerns than his on-field deficiencies.

While I heard the rumors, it wasn't until Gregory admitted during an interview with NFL Media's Kim Jones that he three failed drug tests that I was able to confirm the issues that were frequently discussed in NFL scouting circles in the fall.

From a team perspective, Gregory's admission to a failed test in January 2014 and April 2014 is a huge concern. He was coming off a sensational sophomore season that captivated the attention of scouts; several evaluators viewed him as a potential first-round prospect heading into the season. The fact that he had multiple positive tests in his most important season and that he continued to use marijuana despite being one strike away from being booted off the team suggests a deep-rooted problem with the drug. It's no secret the NFL has some marijuana users on its teams, but teams have problems accepting players who prioritize their recreational habits over football preparation. Thus, Gregory's inability to clean up before the NFL Scouting Combine will raise serious red flags about his maturity, professionalism and commitment to football. No doubt, the team that drafts Gregory will have to provide a support system for him.

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