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2019 NFL Draft: How Rashan Gary’s shoulder injury could impact 1st round

By Bryan Perez

ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /
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The 2019 NFL draft is certain to have late-breaking drama that will impact one or more of the top prospects in the class, including Michigan edge defender, Rashan Gary.

This always happens in the NFL draft. Every year. Like clockwork.

Whether it’s a scandalous video, criminal investigation or a previously unknown injury, late-breaking news on one or more of the top prospects sends the first round into a whirlwind. We saw it happen to Laremy Tunsil in the 2016 NFL draft after a video of him allegedly smoking marijuana through a mask pushed him out of the top five picks and ultimately to the Dolphins at No. 13 overall.

Go back a year earlier to 2015 when former LSU offensive lineman, La’El Collins, was widely considered a first-round talent but fell out of the draft entirely because of a pending criminal investigation. Collins signed as an undrafted free agent with the Cowboys.

Both players are now respected starters in the NFL.

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It looks like this year’s potential free-faller has been identified: Michigan edge defender, Rashan Gary.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Gary has a shoulder injury that’s been flagged by teams.

“It’s a labral tear from college,” Rapoport tweeted, “and most believe he can play this season, then possibly have surgery afterward. It will likely have to be managed or harnessed, though.”

Shoulder injuries are never good for big edge defenders like Gary who rely so much on their arms. Whether it’s attempting to win with power or by using advanced hand play to keep an offensive lineman at bay, the health of his shoulders will go a long way in dictating how effective he can be.

With just two days before the start of the first round, Gary’s injury news will push him down the first round quite a bit. It looked like he was a lock to be a top-15 selection before his shoulder concerns; now, he could end up being a steal for a team like the Rams or Patriots at the end of Day 1.

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