Michigan Football: Stock watch for Wolverines after NFL combine

Gary solidifies himself as a top-10 pick

When Rashan Gary talks about being the best player in the 2019 NFL draft, it certainly rubs some people the wrong way. But, when you can run the way he can, it’s hard to argue with that statement.

Gary didn’t live up to the expectations of being the top overall recruit in the 2016 class and Michigan football fans will always be critical of his performance. But even though his numbers weren’t eye-popping, they weren’t bad either.

Gary finished with 119 career stops, 23.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, all while facing constant double teams. His run defense was outstanding and even though he needs to show more as a pass rusher when you see a guy like him run the 40 in 4.59, it makes the possibilities endless.

Gary has the size to play just about anywhere outside of nose tackle on the defensive line and the right coaching staff will likely move him all over the place to create mismatches, like the Rams do with Aaron Donald.

Gary is a freak just like him and if he can harness all those athletic gifts, he will be a dominant NFL player and even if he doesn’t reach his full potential, he can sleepwalk and be a Pro Bowler, so he won’t be on the board long when the NFL draft finally rolls around.