Packers quick reaction NFL Draft grades 2019: Rashan Gary
Here’s our quick reaction to the Green Bay Packers’ first-round selection, defensive end Rashan Gary.
One thing is clear this offseason: Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst made improving the pass rush his number one priority.
After spending big to sign Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith in free agency, he’s now added more talent to the pass rush by using the 12th overall pick to select Rashan Gary out of Michigan.
In three years at Michigan, Gary finished with 119 tackles, 9.5 sacks and one forced fumble.
Too early for Gary?
The big question is was this too early for Gary? Could the Packers have traded down and still been able to select him? With Ed Oliver, T.J. Hockenson and Devin Bush all off the board, it’s possible Gutekunst didn’t want to risk missing out on one of his top targets.
With Dwayne Haskins still available, many felt a team may be willing to jump ahead of the Miami Dolphins. A trade wasn’t made, and interestingly, the Dolphins went in a different direction by picking defensive lineman Christian Wilkins at No. 13.
The Packers will be hoping Gary, an elite athlete, can develop into a dominant pass rusher. And it’s absolutely possible he will, working alongside the two Smiths and in Mike Pettine’s scheme. But he only put up 9.5 sacks in three years, which is a concern.
Pass rush the focus
If Gary can make an impact in year one, the Packers’ pass rush suddenly looks very strong. With the two Smiths, Gary, and the interior pressure from Mike Daniels and Kenny Clark up front, this defense should be able to pressure opposing quarterbacks much more frequently this year. And let’s not forget, Kyler Fackrell put up 10.5 sacks last season, too.
Last year, Gutekunst recognized that the team’s biggest need was at cornerback, and he doubled down at the position with Jaire Alexander and Josh Jackson. It worked. And again this offseason, he’s been proactive in his search for pass-rush help, and he deserves credit for that.
If Gary reaches his potential, this will be one of the picks of the draft. But the Packers are taking a risk.