2019 NFL Draft: Implications of Kyler Murray going No. 1 overall

Rashan Gary tested really well at the combine, coming away as one of the freakiest of the athletes in attendance in Indianapolis. He never really had the production to match his athleticism, though, something that will undoubtedly be questioned by prospective scouts and front office executives.

Gary isn’t likely to be a difference maker as a pass rusher in the NFL. He managed only 9.5 sacks during his 34 career game Michigan career. He has the versatility to play across any scheme and at multiple spots on the defensive line. His best fit is likely to be at defensive tackle in the NFL in a 4-3 scheme, although he could play end effectively in a 3-4 alignment. His strength and agility would be a real problem for NFL interior linemen.

John Elway and company will seriously consider Missouri’s Drew Lock here, even after making the offseason trade for Joe Flacco. Flacco is 34, so he’s not going to be a long-term option at the position, meaning Denver will need to at some point soon begin grooming a young quarterback for the future so they aren’t left in a similar situation post-Flacco.

Elway seems to think that Flacco still has a lot left in the tank, though that didn’t bear out over his last couple of seasons in Baltimore. Denver has a roster talented enough to compete if they can get good production from Flacco, which leads me to believe that they will look to find player(s) in this draft who could contribute right away, instead of using their first round pick on a quarterback who isn’t likely to see the field for a year or two.

Gary might represent the best player available, which would make him tough to pass on. Adding a difference maker at tight end could also be an option, particularly with T.J. Hockenson remaining on the board at this juncture.