Rashan Gary
#3 Defensive End by Football Addicts
Born: December 3rd, 1997 (21 years old)
Height: 6’5
Weight: 287 Lbs
Position: Defensive End
University: Michigan
About Rashan
Even before starting my NFL Draft research for 2019 I knew a few things, this is a defensive loaded draft, Kyler Murray is winning the Heisman, and Rashan Gary is this year’s athletic stand out. During Michigan’s spring camp he clocked a 40 yard dash at 4.57 seconds, which lead all defensive lineman. He also stated later in the week that he prefers playing at 300 Lbs. With all that being said, Gary has yet to have any eye catching performances at Ann Arbor. He only tallied 9.5 sacks in his 3 years at Michigan, though double teamed a lot. This former #1 overall recruit could be one of the steal in the draft if put into the right scheme at the next level.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Rashan has once been clocked at running a 4.57 40 yard dash time at nearly 300 Lbs. He has elite speed for his size, and shows that well on the field. His football I.Q is great, even in his early years at Michigan you could see him understand the game quickly. He also has a great combination of setting his leverage and using his immense strength.
Weaknesses
Sometimes you can see Gary get washed in the trenches and get taken out of the play. This is due to being a focus point for the offense, a lack of polish in his pass rush moves, and a questionable gas tank. Of course being a former #1 overall recruit, you will face double teams immediately, but at times Gary seems to take a play off. Some plays he will be taken out of the play almost from the get go, and this can also be the fact he doesn’t have any finesse moves to his game. He reallies a lot on his pure strength instead of a swim move or spin.
NFL Draft Projection/NFL Comp
NFL Draft Projection
This class does not lack talent on the defensive side of the ball, and that could dilute the hype around Rashan in 2019, especially with a generational talent like Ed Oliver and Nick Bosa battling for the top spot as well. Gary hasn’t done too much to make himself stand out yet, but once its time for the combine, he should shine. Gary is one of the biggest mysteries on my board considering his measurables versus production. If he knocks out the combine as expected, Gary will not fall past the Lions with the 8th pick.
NFL Comparison
Big frame? Check. Multi positional athlete? Check. Always around the ball? Check. Combine those with the IQ of Gary and you get pass rushers Michael Bennett and Cameron Jordan. Like Bennett and Jordan, Rashan Gary is a knack of getting to the ball, and ruining plays, even if he isn’t really awarded the stat for it. Similar to Michael Bennett, don’t expect Rashan to lead the league in sacks but he definitely won’t make it hard to find him on the field.