With The First Pick
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Was Rashan Gary the right pick by Green Bay?

By Bryan Perez

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - NOVEMBER 17: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on while playing the Indiana Hoosiers at Michigan Stadium on November 17, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 31-20. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Green Bay Packers were expected to add help for Aaron Rodgers and the offense in the 2019 NFL draft. Instead, they selected two defensive prospects in the first round, including Michigan’s Rashan Gary at the No. 12 pick overall.

Gary, whose college career began as the most highly sought after recruit in the country, was regarded by many as a disappointment at Michigan. He was routinely outplayed by his teammate and third-round pick of the Patriots, Chase Winovich, and he’s beginning his NFL career with some injury baggage.

Gary ended his final season as a Wolverine with a bum shoulder and the Packers are hopeful a harness will help mitigate the damage.

“When I got hurt at Michigan, I came back and wore the brace,” Gary said via the Wisconsin State Journal. “I’m comfortable with it. Me and the trainers decided just to (have me) wear it. I feel comfortable playing with it, so I’m rocking with it.”

Gary’s 2018 stat line didn’t scream first-round production. He ended the year playing just nine games with 38 tackles and 3.5 sacks. He’s expected to play outside linebacker for the Packers, where they hope his rare size-athletic ability combination will create a nightmare mismatch for opposing offenses.

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Gary ran a 4.58 40-yard dash at 277 pounds during the 2019 NFL combine.

But shoulder injuries can slow even the greatest of pass rushers, which, by the way, Gary hasn’t proven to be. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst said, however, that the team isn’t concerned about Gary’s career projection and health.

“Obviously we go through a thorough medical evaluation on all these guys. That’s part of the process. I felt very comfortable long term that that issue was going to be resolved,” Gutekunst said.

Gary, who will wear the number made famous by Clay Matthews and his ferocious pass-rushing style, will be one of the more interesting rookies to monitor in 2019. The Packers could’ve had a playmaking tight end like Noah Fant at the 12th pick, who would’ve looked awfully nice catching touchdowns from Rodgers.

If the shoulder injury becomes a season-long obstacle, Green Bay’s selection of Gary will be one of the more questioned picks of the year’s first round.

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