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Rashan Gary’s effort, high motor standing out to Packers
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Rashan Gary was going to be a first-round selection in the 2019 NFL Draft regardless of what people thought of him. There was too much potential and talent for every team to pass on him in the first round.
Still, there were some teams that were concerned about his effort, energy and ability to finish plays. So far, that hasn’t been an issue early during the Green Bay Packers’ camp.
According to Packerswire.com, Gary has impressed the coaching staff with his effort and ability on the field.
“It is early, so we’ll see once we get to the game action, but he’s done a lot of nice things,” Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said of Gary. “The one thing I’ve really liked that he’s shown is the effort he plays with. The way we define that is if you see a change of speed, a burst, then to max speed and then to the finish. He’s had some good clips to show the team.”
Despite being a former five-star prospect and regularly considered one of the top defensive linemen in college football, Gary did draw some criticism during his career at Michigan. His numbers didn’t quite reflect the amount of talent he brought to the field, though that was likely more attributed to Don Brown’s scheme and Gary’s responsibilities.
None of that has been a concern for the Packers early in camp, though. Gary’s effort has been second to none.
“For example, if we’re running the ball, and the ball gets down the field, to see him continue, after he sets the edge, to continue to pursue from behind and finish with the rip attempt,” LaFleur said.
As the No. 12 pick in the draft, Gary seems to be living up to the hype. LaFleur and the Packers seem pretty happy with their first-round selection.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB