2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Lions could take in Round 1

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 27: Detroit Lions head coach Matt Patricia answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 27, 2019 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 03: Michigan Wolverines defensive lineman Rashan Gary (3) rushes during a game between the Penn State Nittany Lions (14) and the Michigan Wolverines (5) on November 3, 2018 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Rashan Gary

There’s something appropriate about the Lions taking a Michigan player in the first round. Their interest in Gary isn’t just sentimental though. He’s a legitimate pass rushing talent that’s getting a lot of looks from teams all over the first round.

Gary played inside during most of his college career, but he’s almost certainly going to move to defensive end in the NFL. The upside to him playing defensive tackle for the Wolverines is that he’s developed inside and outside pass moves. He’s a guy who can start at defensive end and move inside to rush the passer on obvious passing downs.

The question about Gary is whether or not he can be productive enough to be a standout at defensive end. Playing inside at Michigan cost scouts the chance to really see what he could do with a ton of snaps on the edge. The Lions will spend a lot of time dissecting the times he did get a chance to go one on one with quality tackles in college.

Gary might not be the Lions top choice here, but he would be a terrific consolation prize. It’s hard to envision him becoming anything less than a quality starter. That’s solid value at No. 8.

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