McShay’s mock draft has the Jets taking DL Rashan Gary

ESPN’s Todd McShay has released his second mock draft of the year and he has the New York Jets selecting Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary.

The New York Jets will have plenty of options to consider between now and the moment they take the stand in late April for the 2019 NFL Draft.

Many have proposed that the Jets should trade down to accumulate more picks while others are hoping an elite prospect such as Nick Bosa falls to the team. If they were to stay put and select a player at three, prospects such as Alabama’s Quinnen Williams or Jonah Williams, Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell, or even Kentucky’s Josh Allen have been consistently linked to the Jets in other mock drafts.

But ESPN’s Todd McShay has the Jets going in a different direction.

McShay has the Jets selecting Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary in a curious move given the team’s current situation. Gary has been regularly mocked as a top 15 pick by most sources but few have him going as high as a top 5 selection.

The Michigan product is a versatile, athletic defender who can play all over the defensive line. For much of the scouting process, scouts viewed him as an interior fit but he’s been given more looks recently as a true edge defender.

At 6’4″ and over 280 pounds, Gary would be quite large for an every-down edge defender, but his athleticism makes him more suitable for the position than first glance. He plays with power and has a quick first step allowing him to contribute as both a run defender and as a pass rusher.

Still, Gary doesn’t come without his share of red flags.

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The 21-year old stepped foot in Ann Arbor as the No. 1 recruit in the entire country but failed to live up to the hype. Gary finished three years at Michigan with just 9.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss, although it should be noted that college football counts sacks as tackles for loss as well.

Gary’s motor has been called into question as has his ability to improve as a player. While there aren’t any reports of true character concerns, he has been known to take plays off, but can still turn it on in crucial situations.

Ultimately, the selection of Gary at No. 3 would likely anger many Jets fans as a high ceiling, low floor interior defensive lineman/edge hybrid doesn’t exactly fit what the team is looking for. Gary’s lack of production despite his talented skill set is concerning as is a shoulder injury that cost him some of his 2018 season.

When all is set and done, the Jets would be wise to go after a true edge rusher if they were to pick one with their first selection. Not a hybrid defensive lineman who may never reach his true potential.