Arizona Cardinals 7-round mock draft, including one massive trade

Round 1, Pick 11

Once considered to be a top-five pick, Gary has slipped on most draft boards and mock drafts likely due to his meddling career stat line at Michigan. But that’s not who Gary is. He’s not going to be a guy that will lead the NFL in sacks in his first few seasons, but he does the little things correctly and has the potential to be an All-Pro talent in the big leagues.

At 6-4, 277-pounds with a combine performance that included a 4.58 second 40-yard-dash, 38-inch vertical, 120-inch broad jump, 7.26-second three-cone-drill, and 26 reps on the 225-pound bench press, the phrase best fit to describe Gary is “physical specimen.” But he also has a developing game to boot.

At his peak, Gary reminds me of Jadeveon Clowney. He has that rare blend of size, explosiveness, and speed to go along with a fierce attack from the jump. He’s arguably better setting the edge than rushing from it, which may help him convert to a 3-4 defensive end. Per Pro Football Focus, Gary’s 2018 run-stop percentage was 9.9%.

He also has the potential to succeed as a stand-up rushing outside linebacker. His use of his powerful hands has improved and so has his bend around the edge. If neither is working he can use a lethal bull-rush to get his way.

However, Gary ultimately falls to No. 11 in here because his pass-rushing technique isn’t refined. Learning from Chandler Jones and Terrell Suggs would do wonders for his development. The Michigan product has a floor as a starter level edge setter and the ceiling of a menacing pass-rusher similar to the likes of Jadeveon Clowney.