Green Bay going to use Rashan Gary as a Linebacker
It appears, based on this FREEP article that, at least at first, Gary will be a linebacker. Not sure I ever even considered that, but based on his measurables, I guess that could actually be really effective if he can cover at all.
“He’ll start in the outside linebacker room. He’s a guy because of his size and speed and versatility, you’d hope you can move him around the front,” Packers scout Joe Hueber told reporters Thursday night. “He’s done some standup stuff already. He’s had to play multiple positions and move around. Probably needs to learn some of the (coverage) drop stuff.
"But as far as rushing the passer goes, he’ll be ready.”
April 26th, 2019 at 12:57 PM ^
Yeah im kind of surprised everyone is ragging on Gary and not blaming Mattison. His last 2 years at Michigan were underwhelming to say the least. He barely developed the interior line and couldn't find backups for chase and rashan. Uche and Paye are more a credit to Don brown than Mattison. He also basically stopped recruiting after that huge dl class in 2016.
I'm confused as to why Paye would not be a credit to Mattison.
Assuming it's because Don Brown is generally credited with finding/signing Paye around these parts (probably true). That's what so great about assigning credit/blame--you can pick whatever criteria you want for a given player and nobody can stop you!
Chase Winovich ranks high at PFF. They thought he should have been taken in the 1st round. He also was coached by Mattison.
Maybe Rashan Gary is to blame for Rashan Gary.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:15 AM ^
They made the common draft mistake of making their decision based on watching every ounce of tape on him coupled with their detailed understanding of the game of football, instead of asking The Oracle 2 from mgoblog.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:28 AM ^
What a tremendous fan you are. Go watch the video of this kid in tears finding out he was drafted. After working his ass off, playing hurt, and getting to realize his dream.
Way to support our team, our players, and their careers. The next time we try to pick up the top prospect in the country to get him to come to Michigan, I hope he doesn't run into fans like you.
I'm not even saying you're wrong - all of that might be true - he may not have "lived up to the hype" thought I think there's plenty of arguments to that, and anyone panning out in the NFL is a crapshoot but seriously, this is just shitty, man.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:49 AM ^
I tried to watch the video but I had trouble seeing him with his brand signature everywhere.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:50 AM ^
So the idea here isn’t to express and debate honest opinions, but rather to join together for a collective “yay Michigan?” On the other hand, I think the Steelers made an excellent move in trading up to grab Devin Bush. Is that better?
April 26th, 2019 at 11:10 AM ^
You're welcome to your opinions, but to assume Gary would be a regrettable pick for the Packers is, in my opinion, shitty. Why wish that on the kid's NFL prospects? DId he offend you by his lack of production at Michigan? And while no I don't think being a fan means you can only be positive about the team and players, this is something entirely different. I dont think it's too much to ask to wish our players well and hope they succeed. Having successful NFL players is a good thing for your program
April 26th, 2019 at 12:11 PM ^
You are way overthinking this. He's not "wishing" anything on Gary's NFL prospects; he's offering an honest assessment of Gary's likely performance. Huge difference.
April 26th, 2019 at 12:15 PM ^
He never wished anything negative towards Gary. The fact that is how you comprehended it is foolish. Don't be so sensitive if one's opinion doesn't match your own. Its a sports blog not a Gary appreciation website. Honest opinions spark healthy debate.
We all want Gary to succeed but I too have my doubts he will live up to his expectations that come with being the 12th overall pick. Does this mean Gary somehow offended me and I don't want him to do well? Not at all, so don't act like it.
Interesting. They know more than I do for sure. Still think Rashan could be an effective Defensive End with his speed, a la Fred Dean (Chargers/49ners). I have also been wondering whether Chase will end up at linebacker in the NFL all along.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:05 AM ^
Chase would actually make an excellent replacement for Clay Mathews at that OLB position.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:25 AM ^
Especially because of the hair.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:02 AM ^
Is this at all similar to how Woodley was used by the Steelers?
April 26th, 2019 at 10:17 AM ^
Yes.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:18 AM ^
The "elephant" position under Dom Capers was designed to allow for flexibility where you can put a hand in the dirt and play multiple positions along the line as well as a situational linebacker. Obviously Capers is gone but seems they're looking for similar personnel under Pettine. They currently have Za'Darius Smith (6' 4" - 270LB) and Preston Smith (6'5", 265 LB) in that capacity.
My guess is they're starting him in the LB room because he already has familiarity with the D-Line and they want to see if he can hang in LB spot as well. Not sure if its quite the same as Woodley but sounds similar?
April 26th, 2019 at 10:10 AM ^
Y'all need to read Harari's book, "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind". What sets the human apart is our imagination. Following the status quo only gets you so far and nowhere is this more true than in the athletic endeavor. Those with the better imagination change the world! I applaud the Packer's imagination...go for it!!!
April 26th, 2019 at 10:29 AM ^
great book - really interesting stuff
April 26th, 2019 at 11:08 AM ^
Username checks out
I thought what set us apart was our ability to sweat, and therefore run long distances until the hunted animal just gets tired out.
Also, them thumbs.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:13 AM ^
The Packers run a base 3-4, so their OLB are basically DEs....more often then not, they actually run a 2-4-5 nickel where 2 or 3 of those LBs end up rushing the passer and moving around a lot. The only positions in the front 7 that are basically static are the NT and an ILB (or 2 if they're both on the field)....the DEs and OLBs are pretty interchangable
April 26th, 2019 at 10:14 AM ^
Don't understand this one but I'm not an NFL evaluator and don't claim to know as much as those guys. Hope the Packers are right as Gary certainly has the speed to play at that position.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:41 AM ^
What a stupid idea
April 26th, 2019 at 10:42 AM ^
I doubt it, Gary has Always had a hand in the dirt. Back to Dline.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:52 AM ^
Ugh, if they're looking for someone to replace Clay Matthews, then why didn't they take Chase Winovich? I would be surprised if Rashan even sees the field until 2020. If that shoulder couldn't hold up in the Big Ten without surgery, it definitely isn't going to last in the NFC North.
April 26th, 2019 at 10:56 AM ^
Goodell did introduce him as an LB when he revealed the pick. I thought that was just a fuck-up on his part but apparently not.
April 26th, 2019 at 11:08 AM ^
I still have not summoned up enough nerve to start a Day 2 speculation thread..so.. predicting Chase will hear his name called towards the top of the round, and Long later on in the night.
April 26th, 2019 at 11:09 AM ^
I think both are taken by pick 50.
April 26th, 2019 at 11:13 AM ^
In related news, Pittsburgh is confident that Devin Bush can become their next DE.
April 26th, 2019 at 11:15 AM ^
He'll probably be better in the NFL.
April 26th, 2019 at 11:28 AM ^
I know that his straightline speed is at the elite level even as a linebacker, but drop to coverage?
April 26th, 2019 at 11:38 AM ^
I think the Packers play a lot of fake 3-4, meaning one of the OLBs is really a roving rush DE. Gary is an interesting pick at that spot as he could easily move up to both set an edge in run support or rush the passer as needed. But dropping back in coverage would be a new skill set he would need to develop. However, I just don't think the Packers do that very much with the 4th backer as it isn't really a true 3-4 scheme.
April 26th, 2019 at 12:10 PM ^
This strikes me as something that won't end up happening. Even though they run a 3-4, most NFL teams play a majority of their snaps in sub packages (nickel/dime). He'll play all these snaps as a DE.
The question is when they're in their base 3-4, is he better at OLB or DE? Given his physical traits, he probably could play OLB. He'll be great coming off the edge, but asking him to drop zone or cover a RB/TE would not be an optimal use of his skills. If he was a 3-4 DE, he could take on blockers and be excellent against the run.
April 26th, 2019 at 12:14 PM ^
This thread title is kinda misleading. He's basically going to be Green Bay's Josh Uche
I didn't think he'd amount to much in the nfl anyway, but this move makes it a sure thing.
Green Bay runs a 3-4 IIRC, so I actually imagine it won't be that different, he'll still primarily be an edge rusher and screen destroyer. I imagine his coverage skills aren't actually awful, based on how good his pursuit is. He certainly has the speed to stay with most backs and TEs.
I just don't understand why you would take a project in the 1st round. Moving a player to a position they never played is a project. Yes, he may work out well and have all the upside in the world but that's not the risk I would be willing to take with a 1st round pick.
Trade down and take someone that has been an OLB and can contribute today plus another draft pick.
Even weirder, they have Rodgers moving to safety in hopes he'll get injured less often
April 26th, 2019 at 10:09 PM ^
"But as far as rushing the passer goes, he’ll be ready.”
?
I don't see it.
April 28th, 2019 at 10:03 AM ^
If Gary beat OSU and played in the bowl game this year so many of you would be signing a different tune.
The SAME people who defended Gary against OSU/Bosa fans saying his job is to play the anchor and he's double teams every down while making it easier for Winovich (Bosa's position)...are now using the same Bosa argument against Gary.
L to the O to the L.