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Chicago Bears: 3 prospects to watch in 2018

By Patrick Sheldon

COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, SC - NOVEMBER 25: Clelin Ferrell #99 of the Clemson Tigers reacts after a play against the South Carolina Gamecocks during their game at Williams-Brice Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Columbia, South Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Rashan Gary Chicago Bears
(Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Rashan Gary — Defensive End/Edge, Michigan

The 2019 NFL Draft class appears loaded with talent at the defensive end position. That’s great news for the Chicago Bears, but perhaps not so great for some of the prospects who could see themselves slip. Granted, no one knows where the Bears will pick in the 2019 Draft. However, there should be plenty of great edge options when they do.

One such player is Rashan Gary, a defensive end/edge rusher from the University of Michigan. Since Gary plays right down the road in Ann Arbor, expect the Bears to get a pretty good look at him this season. Assuming they do, my guess is they’ll really like what they see.

Gary, once the number one overall recruit in the country, might not be getting the attention he deserves. The hype machine has already started touting the Clemson defensive line (more on that later) as well as Nick Bosa from Ohio State. However, Gary should be in the conversation as the best edge rusher in this class.

He’s very gifted athletically and has a tremendous motor. Gary’s “get-off” at the line of scrimmage is also top notch. At 6-foot-5, 287 pounds he’s much quicker than you’d expect at that size. He also has the ability to use his quickness to all-out blow past offensive linemen. However, at the next level, he won’t be able to get by purely on his speed. He has the strength to overpower many of his opponents but will need to refine his technique this season to adjust to the NFL level.

The biggest negative with Gary will be his availability — as in, whether he will be available when the Bears are picking. Now I fully expect the Bears to be picking #32 overall next year, but let’s assume I’m wrong and they don’t win the Super Bowl.

All kidding aside, it is still very unlikely he’s available. The Bears would be disappointed if they are drafting in the top fifteen. A lot can happen between now and the draft, but it would be a big surprise if he’s not one of the top ten players off the board.

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