Rashan Gary, DL, Michigan
Strengths:
Rashan Gary is a versatile and athletic defensive lineman that can play anywhere on the line. He has the speed and athleticism to get around tackles and the size and strength to beat interior linemen. Gary demonstrates excellent usage with his hands when getting off blocks. He uses great leverage at the point of attack and has the strength to shove blockers aside. If he is left unblocked on the backside, his speed and quick-twitch ability will make offenses pay. He has a really quick first step and he tackles hard due to a good closing burst. Gary rarely gets pushed off the line of scrimmage. He has great change of direction and plays light on his feet making it tough on offensive linemen to mirror him.
Weaknesses:
He struggles in space when trying to take down ball carries or get around blocks. He lacks the necessary flexibility to be dominant around the edge of tackles. Gary can get fooled and miss tackles due to his big hitter mentality. He needs to develop secondary counters for when his initial ones are stopped; often he will try a move, fail, and then struggle to work free from the block.
Draft Projection:
Top 15 Pick
Gary is very versatile and can be moved all along the line to maximize his talents. He is a more talented pass rusher than run defender, but he has flashes of good plays against the run. Gary wins with his first step, first move, and great usage of hands but is usually stonewalled if the offensive lineman counters well. He would be best used as an edge defender against the run, but on the inside against the pass. Rashan Gary is a traits-based prospect with a huge upside that can be developed into a great defensive lineman.