2019 NFL Draft: 5 players Falcons could take in Round 1
2. Rashan Gary
Gary is definitely one of the hardest guys to project in this draft. As such, mocks have him going all over the first round. Some people believe he’s a top 10 pick, but more judicious mock drafts have him going right around the No. 15 slot.
Part of the difficulty in evaluating Gary comes with how he was used at Michigan. Their coaching staff used him almost exclusively as a defensive tackle. The vast majority of NFL coaching staffs feel like his future is going to lie at defensive end at the professional level.
The fact that the Falcons can use help both places only increases Gary’s potential value in Atlanta. He could easily play outside on run downs and then slot inside to help the Falcons’ pass rush improve on more obvious passing downs. That’s an increasingly valuable skill in today’s NFL.
Any concerns about his ability to rush the passer from the edge were squelched at the Combine when he ran a blistering 4.58 40-yard dash. It’s possible that time will push him into the top 10, but the Falcons will hope he slips into their hands at No. 14.