Packers select Rashan Gary No. 12 overall
The Green Bay Packers selected pass-rusher Rashan Gary out of Michigan with the 12th overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Green Bay continues to add to its front seven after signing Preston Smith and Za'Darius Smith in free agency.
At 277 lbs, Gary is one of the top athletes in the 2019 class. He's versatile enough to see snaps at outside linebacker and in the interior.
The former Michigan standout had his shoulder flagged for a labral tear during medical evaluations leading up to Thursday's NFL draft, but is expected to play his rookie year and possibly have surgery afterward.
Prospect profile
School: Michigan
Height: 6-4
Weight: 277 lbs
Strengths
- Elite athleticism and movement skills for position and size
- Versatility to line up on the edge or as interior rusher
- Strong run defender with a number of tackles for loss
- Long arms to extend and drive offensive linemen forward
- Natural strength, converts speed to power well
- Strong and effective hand usage
- Very quick first step off the line
Weaknesses
- Not yet developed as a pass-rusher
- Inconsistent tape, doesn't always put elite traits together
- Doesn't do enough when unblocked
- Not a read-and-react defender
Bottom line
Gary is perhaps the biggest boom-or-bust prospect in this year's draft class. His freak athleticism and flashes of dominance illustrate his immense ceiling, but his inconsistent play and lack of pass-rush production are certainly alarming. Regardless, Gary will be an interesting player to monitor and we guarantee a number of defensive coaches see a mold of clay with limitless potential in this defensive lineman.