Green Bay Packers: Rashan Gary’s versatility provides immense upside

The Green Bay Packers selected Rashan Gary with the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and his ability to line up anywhere on the defensive line was the key to the pick.

The Green Bay Packers took a huge gamble on Thursday night at the 2019 NFL Draft. With the 12th overall selection, general manager Brian Gutekunst drafted Michigan defensive end Rashan Gary.

From an analytical standpoint, Gary was the right pick. His untapped potential is intriguing and could make the Packers defensive line the best in the NFL, provided he pans out. The pick points much more toward future projection rather than past performance.

Before the draft, Green Bay’s depth on the defensive line already included Kenny Clark, Mike Daniels, Dean Lowry, Tyler Lancaster, Fadol Brown and Montravius Adams. Green Bay’s edge defenders include Preston Smith, Za’Darius Smith, Kyler Fackrell, Reggie Gilbert and, now, Gary.

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The most unique thing about Gary is his versatility. He has the ability to play anywhere on the d-line, be it as a 1-technique, 3-technique, 5-technique or 7-technique lineman. Where Gary lines up will likely depend on the matchup. Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will undoubtedly align him wherever the matchup favors him most.

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The biggest factor tied to Gary’s success as a Packer will be his work ethic and how he’s coached. There’s zero questions about his athletic ability and scheme fit as it relates to the Packers defense.

Gary is easily one of the most athletically-gifted prospects in the 2019 draft (4.58-second 40-yard dash at 6-5, 277 pounds). Metaphorically speaking, Gary is a ball of unfinished clay. New outside linebackers coach Mike Smith and defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery will be the main men tasked with mining his untapped potential.

At the moment, Gary relies far too often on his athletic ability to win his matchup. If he can learn how to combine both brawn, speed and  technique, this very well could be one of the best picks of the 2019 draft.

Pettine’s defense relies heavily on sending waves of pressure to the quarterback from all different angles, essentially trying to confuse offensive linemen with blitz pickups and switch-offs. It doesn’t matter where Gary is lined up because he’ll have one job: to be a quarterback hunter.

But despite all the upside, Gary is far from a finished product. The Packers swung for the fences. It remains to be seen if this pick was a home run.