Philadelphia Eagles: 5 Targets in first round of 2019 NFL Draft
By Jeremy Klump
5. Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan
This is a name you probably haven’t seen much for the Eagles in the first round, mainly because Gary as been projected to go within the first 15 picks. However, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Gary has a torn labrum. That torn labrum will certainly make Gary slide on draft day. Some teams may pass on him with the thought that Gary could miss the entire season if he gets shoulder surgery instead of trying to play through the pain.
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If he starts sliding far enough, Gary could be a real possibility for the Eagles at No. 25. Philadelphia has shown by drafting Sidney Jones in 2017 that they are okay with taking a player who is injured. I would not be surprised if the Eagles are doing a lot more of their homework on Gary now, just in case he is on the board when they are drafting.
Gary’s stats have never shown how good he is, which could also scare some teams away. Gary only recorded 9.5 sacks in his three years at Michigan and only 23 tackles for a loss. For someone with such great talent, why hasn’t he been able to put up the elite stats as a top prospect should? That will be a big question the Eagles will need to answer. However, I think the talent is there.
Gary would be a dominant force with Fletcher Cox and Malik Jackson at defensive tackle. With those two in front of him, Philly would also be able to limit Gary’s snap counts if they decide to let him play through the injury in year 1.