Michigan Football: Why Rashan Gary could go No. 1 in 2019 NFL Draft
There is a board consensus that Michigan football defensive end Rashan Gary will be a top-10 pick in 2019. But here’s how he could go No. 1.
It’s not a secret that the 2017-18 season was a little disappointing for Michigan football. And when the 2018 NFL draft rolled around, it also didn’t turn out great for the Wolverines.
However, in 2019, when the NFL has its annual selection meeting, a Michigan football player could be the first one chosen and the player with that potential is Rashan Gary.
Of course, if you know anything about Michigan football, then you know about Gary, the top-rated recruit on defense in 2016. At 6-3 and nearly 300 pounds, Gary is an athletic freak. He also runs a sub 4.6 40. In two seasons, he is still finding his way, but last year, he had 5.5 sacks, 11.5 tackles for loss and 58 total tackles, a high number for a defensive lineman.
Maurice Hurst dominated for the Wolverines last season, but a freak heart problem robbed him of being a first-round pick. Hopefully, nothing like that happens to Gary because if he dominates in 2018, he could easily have a chance to go No. 1 next April.
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Obviously, if a stud quarterback comes along, that could trump Gary. It could even be Michigan’s Shea Patterson if he plays well enough. He was the top-ranked quarterback the same year Gary came out, so it’s not that far fetched. Walter Football, a well known blog, already has Patterson projected to be the top pick in 2019. Gary is projected to go fifth in the same mock draft, which was published May 4.
Gary is also projected to go high in a number of other mock drafts and it makes sense. Pass rushers are like gold in the NFL. And guys like Gary, who can do it all, don’t come around often.
When you watch him play, it’s easy to think of Julius Peppers. Gary is outstanding against the run and he’s a very good tackler. But his speed and ability to get around the edge is special. He runs like a linebacker, even though he has the body of a defensive tackle.
Yet, his ability to rush inside, as well as outside, is another asset. His production will need to increase. Gary will also need to start showing up more in big games, when the lights are shining brightest. He did that against Ohio State last season, getting two sacks and three tackles for loss.
But that player isn’t always around. That’s the challenge for Gary, dominating like that every game. If he can find a way to do that, it’s easy to see him being the top pick in 2019 or least being in contention to be.
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Some quarterback might emerge and that could prevent Gary from being the top guy. Another Bosa at Ohio State could also be a threat. However, if Gary plays up to this potential, there is a good chance he will be in the mix and that’s a good thing for Michigan football.