Michigan pass rusher visits with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers
By Cory Kinnan
As the pre-draft visits wind down, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers continue to overturn every option, this time meeting with Michigan prospect Rashan Gary.
It is becoming seemingly clear, whether with the fifth overall pick or after a trade down has been executed, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to add a player who can get after the quarterback with their first round selection. As visits are wrapping up and the 2019 NFL Draft is less than two weeks away, the Buccaneers have hosted another edge rusher, this time in the form of Michigan’s Rashan Gary.
While the jury is split on Gary as an NFL prospect, the Buccaneers continue to seek to leave every stone unturned in their pursuit of an elite talent in the upcoming draft. Gary’s draft stock remains a relative secret as he could be drafted as high as fourth overall to the Oakland Raiders, or he could fall out of the top 15, so the Buccaneers could land him at the fifth overall pick or after a trade down.
With Tampa Bay switching to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Gary could provide the Buccaneer defense with a variety of different looks. At Michigan, Gary has played 3-4 defensive end, outside linebacker, and 4-3 defensive end, and there is no reason to think that he could not provide that same flexibility in the NFL.
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Gary’s career at Michigan was not as illustrious as would be expected from a former five-star recruit, however. In three seasons with the Wolverines, Gary managed to tally only 23 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and 9.5 sacks.
The traits and athleticism of Gary are what really get NFL teams drooling at the mouth, as it could be that e did not benefit from multiple position changes in college. At the combine, Gary measured in at over 6’4 and 277 pounds and still ran a blazing 4.58 second 40 yard dash, while jumping to the tune of a 38 inch vertical jump and a 10 foot broad jump.
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Still projected as a top-20 pick in the upcoming draft, there is not a conclusive consensus on Gary as an NFL prospect, however there is a strong chance he could wind up falling in the top-ten when the draft rolls around next week. He remains on the board for the Buccaneers as they prepare for every option possible in a crucial draft.