Cory's Corner: Rashan Gary Is Ready

Rashan Gary isn't going away. 

He was the No. 12 pick in the 2019 NFL Draft and the expectations soon swelled. 

Gary, a two-time All-Big Ten selection at Michigan, logged nine regular season games last year where he played 15 defensive snaps or less. There wasn't a lot to judge from last year, because Gary still had a relatively blank canvas at the pro level.

And now Gary is ready to get it going for his sophomore season. "Everything I did in the offseason to this point is about being the best me, coming back and being an impact player," said Gary. "You know that's what I want to be and that's what I will be. So that's just been my whole mindset and I'm just doing and grinding."

The Packers' season opener is still 15 days away and Gary is talking about being an impact player. I like that. He knows that people are going to expect big things from him after a lackluster rookie season and he's owning it. 

"Rashan is extremely talented," said Packers coach Matt LaFleur. "I think he's done a really nice job of being violent with his hands and being able to get the offensive lineman's hands off him. I think he's continuing to get better each and every day. Again, I can't speak enough about his work ethic."

That last bit about work ethic really resonates with me. Here was a guy that many, including myself, had questions about his consistency but I was convinced after hearing Packers outside linebackers coach Mike Smith speak emotionally about Gary. "He's meaner than a rattlesnake. Guys like that, they don't fail."

This is a huge year for Gary. The defense can really pop the lid off the top if defensive coordinator Mike Pettine puts Za'Darius Smith, Preston Smith and Gary all play explosively at the same time. We all saw what the Smith Bros. can do together, just think what Gary can add to that mix?

One of the most important things a defense has to do is to make a quarterback's life miserable. The run game needed help last year, but adding another dynamic defender is a great answer.

 

 

 

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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn

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8 points
 

Comments (42)

Fan-Friendly This filter will hide comments which have ratio of 5 to 1 down-vote to up-vote.
HankScorpio's picture

August 29, 2020 at 07:33 am

I'm looking forward to seeing a big jump in production from Gary. While he's behind two very productive players on the depth chart, there is no such thing as too many pass rushers. Pettine ought to be able to find a way to make use of them all.

Looking beyond 2020, the salary increases both Smiths are due to get will make it hard to keep both for the length of their deals. It would be nice if Gary's production makes those looming decisions less painful. You never want to lose a productive player to salary considerations but it happens. If you must, having a younger player ready eases the sting.

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Guam's picture

August 29, 2020 at 07:47 am

I would love to see Gary succeed in a big way, but I want to see it on the field not in preseason puff pieces (remember M. Adams from last year). I didn't expect Gary to do much last year because he was transitioning from a down lineman to a standup OLB and that is a significant learning curve. However this year and next are his "prove it" time and I hope he makes the kind of impact you'd expect from a #12 draft choice.

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mnbadger's picture

August 29, 2020 at 08:32 am

he has great talent and measurables. The only boxes left to check are work ethic, character, coaching and veteran mentors. I'm optimistic that he'll be a force. GPG

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 10:32 am

You can check off work ethic as has been reported Gary is a very hard worker. His character was never in question, nothing has ever been reported negatively about him. He's got a terrific OLB coach who believe in him and was happy as hell the Packers drafted him. Veteran mentors? What do you think Z and P Smith are doing w/ him? Any more boxes you need checked?

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PeteK's picture

August 29, 2020 at 12:52 pm

Grumpy old troll, Hahahaha

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 04:31 pm

I'm neither Grumpy or trolling.

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CoachDino's picture

August 30, 2020 at 03:11 am

I'm with you Stroh Man! I never once heard a negative on Gary's work ethic or character. Actually the opposite. Many noted the lack of statistical production in college was his team first attitude in taking on roles that don't always make it to the stat sheet.

From Day 1 his job was to convert potential to production at the pro level over the course of a few years. Sounds like he has been honing his craft. I say this due to the conditioning program and the ability to add pass rush "moves" to his game I have been hearing about. I'm sure he's champing on the bit to get an opportunity to display his growth.

The point I seldom hear about Gary is how effective he will be as a rush defender allowing Z to be used to line up anywhere. The Packers might just have a top 10 defense this year in numerous categories.

Having Kenny,Gary, Z, Preston and Keke on 3rd downs allows for size against the rush and excellent pass rush. 5-1-5. Gary has speed to run with TE and some Rbs. Thats the next area of focus for him. Pass coverage. That line could give the pass protection assignments fits. Ok - time for me to real it in a bit...

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marpag1's picture

August 30, 2020 at 04:20 am

Actually there WERE a few stories written a while ago which claimed that Gary had problems with work ethic, and those stories were quickly debunked as stupid BS. But lazy and/or unethical reporting gets out there and people just swallow what's given to them on the spoon.

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Stroh's picture

August 30, 2020 at 12:13 pm

Great comment and obviously agree.

One thing I don't think we'll ever see much of, is Gary being used in coverage alot. Might on some downs where he would most likely drop to the flat, but I don't see him being used in any kind of man coverage. He's the size of many DL and it would be a big mismatch, even w/ his excellent speed for his size. Does Houston ever drop JJ Watt into coverage?

But I'm really excited about everything we've heard about his pass rush this year!

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CoachDino's picture

August 30, 2020 at 11:41 pm

lol ya not na, but as you said drop back and cover a zone - preferable one that has the boundary...

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PackfanNY's picture

August 29, 2020 at 08:35 am

I know we have to write something to fill time and space. I am happy he seems like a hard working player. However, this is about “show me” don’t tell me. I remember many similar stories about Nick Perry. Highly thought of, just needed to stay healthy but he never happened really. We’ll need to see it on the field.

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mnbadger's picture

August 29, 2020 at 08:55 am

PFNY, sports commentators butter thier bread not only by telling us what happened after the game, but what might happen, and why it might happen before the games. Personally, I enjoy the pregame prognostication almost as much as the post game. Looking forward to a fantastic season, regardless of record. GPG

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PackfanNY's picture

August 29, 2020 at 02:21 pm

Your right Badger. I think some took my comment the wrong way. I too think Rashan Gary is set up for a good year. Heck, I supported him here when others were blasting the Packers on this site for drafting him and his failure or lack of playing time last season. I just want him to show it on the field.

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DragonSilk's picture

August 30, 2020 at 06:39 pm

You don't have to write anything.

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dobber's picture

August 29, 2020 at 09:12 am

Tell us why YOU think he's ready, Cory. Don't just give us two puffy coach quotes and one from Gary and call it good enough. What's he done in camp? HOW has he focused himself and made himself better? People are still talking about that shoulder...what does he say? Coaches? What are his teammates saying about him this year in camp? How's he doing in 1-on-1's? The "grading papers" side of me says this article is a D: thesis with no support.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 29, 2020 at 09:59 am

I'm not Cory, but here goes.

Several media observers have noted improved shoulder and arm strength - his shoulder looks healed. That has led to Gary flashing some pass-rushing moves on occasion including a hump, rip and over and under, and just getting more movement against OL. Better hand-fighting as well. He gained weight but looks slimmer, which sounds good.

As for results on the field, I have far less supporting evidence. Too many of his wins have been against Leglue, Conway, Zach Johnson, and the like, for me to feel comfortable drawing big conclusions. I know that observers have written that Bakh has been simply dominant, so probably no wins by Gary there. Andy Herman has written that Turner had "no issues" playing RT (which surprised Herman and me as well), so probably not much there. Taylor has been solid at RG (still 8-0 in 1x1s). I've read almost nothing either way about Linsley, but Hanson and Patrick have sounded very mediocre, very up and down, at best. Jenkins loses occasionally, but his mirror looks very good consistently, and there are some indications that the wide zone run blocking on the left side has improved.

So, Gary has had a nice camp, but I haven't fathomed against whom except as noted above, so I remain someone who needs to see it in games while being moderately encouraged.

[So, my thesis would be more like "There are reasons to be moderately encouraged by Rashan Gary." That's not the most provocative thesis in the world and I probably should find a better one, but if I tack on the quotes Cory noted and there have been a couple more by Montgomery as appeals to authority, can I get a B? B minus anyway? I don't even dream of getting a cookie.]

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 11:48 am

To go along w/ your points TGR... The shoulder is a non-issue. I heard a interview w/ him and he stated as much and said he won't be wearing the shoulder harness this season.

Hand fighting is the thing that he really lacked coming out of UM. And that is something in every interview w/ him and coaches that has been talked about. That is soo important I don't think it can be overstated. Hand fighting is one of the most important traits for a pass rush and its mostly not talked about among media and fans. It might be the single important aspect of pass rushing .

I don't know who he has beaten in pass rush drills, but like you intimated, its almost a given it wasn't Bahktiari. Beyond beating Bahk, the rest of the guys might be just a step below what he might see on a regular basis, but lets face it the Packers OL is still a strength, even w/ losing Bulaga. If he's beating guys like Jenkins, Linsley, Taylor and even Turner, those are starting NFL OL. Those would not be joke.

As far as Turner, no matter what most say (fans that is) he is starting caliber OL in the NFL. As an OG he's definitely as starter, as an OT I would say he's more of a quality backup, but we'll see. Turner has said, he has no issues playing OT. But then again, he knew when the Packers signed him that OT might be in his future after the 1st year at RG, with Bulage possibly leaving in FA. So his saying that, isn't a surprise really. Honestly, what's he supposed to say?

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PeteK's picture

August 29, 2020 at 12:58 pm

All I know is that his previous attempts at T were not good. That's why he's playing guard.

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 04:57 pm

Totally agree and pretty sure thats almost exactly what I said. I don't think he's a great option as a starting OT. Serviceable maybe.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 29, 2020 at 01:17 pm

I have to read every tweet by Ryan Wood, Andy Herman, Aaron Nagler, Silverstein, Demovsky, Schneidman, Wilde, Owczarski, and Reiner, so I have some idea of at least what they consider noteworthy. Nothing like being there yourself, but I haven't been.

I do remember Gary having a good rep against Bakh and a couple against Turner. Zip about Linsley and Taylor. Think I vaguely recall one or two good reps against Turner and Patrick. I think Gary split 1x1s against Runyan. Don't recall any comments about Wagner either way. Lots against Leglue, Conway, Johnson, and some against Light. I do remember a tweet noting that he crushed Deguara in one instance.

As a note, an OLB who has a pressure rate of 15% is going quite well (see the link - Data by Sports Info Solutions). Z Smith had a pressure rate of 16.2%, P. Smith 14.4%, and Clark 8.4%. Dean Lowry's 4.8% pressure rate ranked 172nd out of 201 DL. Clark's rate was only bettered for an interior DL by Aaron Donald.

Interestingly enough (I love these kinds of articles), Fackrell had a 9.4% pressure rate in 2018 and a very nice 14.7% rate in 2019 despite the variance in production btw those years: 10 sacks dropping to just 1). Fackrell's coverage and even his rushing will be missed if Gary doesn't rise to the occasion. The article tantalizes by telling us only that Gary had a pressure rate slightly below the league average in 2019 without revealing what the average is or what Gary's percentage was; still, I'd expect some growth in year two from Gary (while hoping for a lot of growth) so I think the pressure issue will be fine, though I worry about the coverage issue. I believe Preston dropped into coverage about 150 times last year: Zadarius got 112 more pass rush attempts than Preston despite playing just three additional snaps. That's 30% more pass rush attempts for Z than for P. Smith.

So offensive linemen probably should "win" 90% of their battles with DL and close to that against DL, I'd estimate. We've seen Bakh's 96% win rate noted with glowing approval.

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2020/8/26/21402709/pressure-and-proje...

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Stroh's picture

August 30, 2020 at 11:34 am

Good Stuff TGR. Thanks.

I always thought that Fackrell literally fell into a few sacks in 2018. I remember 2 in particular where Fackrell was pancaked for all intents and purposed but the QB bascially tripped over him and fell while he lay on the ground. Last year he did get some pressure despite the lack of sacks.

IF, big IF, Gary doesn't step up in pass rush (and we have no reason to think that will be the case), we could miss his pass rush some. I always thought we would miss his coverage ability and I don't know for sure who might take that role among the LB at the moment. Could be an ILB takes some of that role tho. We'll have to see how things work out once the season starts.

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Bear's picture

August 29, 2020 at 02:07 pm

You deserve 2 cookies.

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 10:34 am

Cory doesn't know what to think. Haven't you been reading his articles. I quit because they are entirely devoid of good info or thought.

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13TimeChamps's picture

August 29, 2020 at 11:54 am

And yet, here you are.

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 04:28 pm

I didn't say I read the article. I didn't. Does that mean I can't be involved in the discussion?

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CoachDino's picture

August 30, 2020 at 03:19 am

I agree - whether the article is good or not, I often find the discussion to be interesting. That's how on-line articles work. You don't hire the high price analysts. You post some opinion pieces and let the masses go nuts. I see failure being more when no one even engages. Hence a lack of even a thought provoking column.

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marpag1's picture

August 30, 2020 at 04:36 am

LOL. I almost never read Cory's schtick. Not worth my time. And most of the time the comments below are on a totally different topic anyway, and are not connected at all to the article. So you're not missing anything.

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PeteK's picture

August 29, 2020 at 01:44 pm

I don't think coaches especially the head coach would make exaggerated claims.The English teacher side of me does not think this was a thesis. This was more like an essay meant to give the progress and spark discussion about a player. Also, quotes from the head and position coach more than suffice as very good supporting details to his topic. Hahahahaha

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Since'61's picture

August 29, 2020 at 09:56 am

I am expecting Gary to get more snaps this. If that happens we can evaluate how much of a force he can be for the defense. Last season he came out as a junior and was somewhat of a boy among men and needed to learn the defense and adjust to the speed of the pro game with a limited number of snaps.

This season would have been his rookie season if he remained in school for 2019. I’m thinking of Gary as a 1st round pick for this season with a solid year of preparation for his first hopefully full time season in the NFL. OCs will need to account for the Smiths, Gary and Clark in every play. If one of our ILBs can emerge into a solid player we could have 5 very strong players in our front 7.

Combined with what sounds like an excellent secondary our defense might be evolving into a dominant unit. The season will tell the real story. Hopefully the group stays healthy so we can actually see whether the defense is a contender or a pretender.
Thanks, Since ‘61

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PeteK's picture

August 29, 2020 at 01:04 pm

Especially if he plays the DT position, which is where I would like to see him flourish.

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 05:05 pm

Gary will be used very much in the way Z Smith is. In fact, this season I think we'll start to see them as interchangeable pieces. One down Z is inside rushing and Gary outside, the next Gary will be inside and Z outside. Though I expect Gary to still be used more outside this year, partly to make sure your not putting too much on his plate all at once. As the season's progress Gary should be used exactly like Z was last year and will be this year.

I don't see Gary as strictly being used as a DT if that's what your saying.

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TarynsEyes's picture

August 29, 2020 at 12:03 pm

So, Gary is looking good against an OL depth that needs, much to be desired, to be considered an OL of even average ability.

You're only as good as the depth of the team or position group and the OL isn't far away from being like that of the DL, one where everyone runs through it.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 29, 2020 at 12:42 pm

I don't think there is any comparison. The OL has five competent starters and a competent backup at all of the interior OL positions. Depending on who the backup is, there appears to be a competent backup RT. No backup at LT, but many teams have that problem.

The DL is completely different. It needs, even has to have, Clark. The backups regressed last year. Lowry and Keke have shown some signs of life in TC, but neither of them is close to the player Clark is. Lancaster hasn't shown diddly squat in TC. Hester didn't finish practice yesterday and in any event didn't show anything prior to being injured. M. Adams sucked last year (I really don't like using vulgar terms, but I can't think of a pejorative strong enough to describe his play last year other than awful, terrible, not-NFL level, shouldn't have seen a single snap).

5 points
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TarynsEyes's picture

August 29, 2020 at 01:24 pm

"As for results on the field, I have far less supporting evidence. Too many of his wins have been against Leglue, Conway, Zach Johnson, and the like, for me to feel comfortable drawing big conclusions. I know that observers have written that Bakh has been simply dominant, so probably no wins by Gary there. Andy Herman has written that Turner had "no issues" playing RT (which surprised Herman and me as well), so probably not much there. Taylor has been solid at RG (still 8-0 in 1x1s). I've read almost nothing either way about Linsley, but Hanson and Patrick have sounded very mediocre, very up and down, at best. Jenkins loses occasionally, but his mirror looks very good consistently, and there are some indications that the wide zone run blocking on the left side has improved."

You seem to have a touch of confidence for the OL but not enough to rebuke the comparison I offered, as to the OL and DL being of similar lacking. Are not the OL getting their 'wins' against the closer to below average DL that most have accepted as being and in need of upgrade in personnel and play overall?

It would seem that both the writers at practice and those that spread what they say here, are simply attempting to cover up the needs and lacking of both by offering a more fan expected optimism for optimisms' sake or to hide the truth as seems the norm.

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Thegreatreynoldo's picture

August 29, 2020 at 04:46 pm

What I suspect given the success of Tipa, Tim Williams, Garvin, Barnes, a host of ILBs, not to mention Gary and Smith x 2, is that Conway, Zack Johnson, Leglue, and Light, aren't very good and don't belong on an NFL roster. I acknowledge that Keke and Lowry are winning reps against these types as well.

Not sure about Runyan, and haven't read hardly anything about Hanson except for some bad snaps in one practice. I think Patrick is below average. Ricky Wagner had a below average year in 2019. He was above average from 2013 to 2018 except for 2015, when he was average. Bulaga overall was better than Wagner, I don't deny that, but it wasn't night and day better.

OL is Bakh, Jenkins, Linsley, Taylor, Wagner, Turner (6 so far), probably Patrick, and then Runyan and IDK. Might be Hanson, Light (just so someone can put a mark in the checklist for backup LT) or Leglue, whose main claim is doing the long snapping in Bradley's absence.

I am more confidant about the OL since I see a solid NFL starter at every position plus an extra a starter level guy. In case of injury I think someone who belongs in the NFL can be inserted into 4 of the 5 OL spots if necessary. I don't see 3 solid DL. Even if you think GB only has two starting spots on the DL, I don't see a 2nd well-rounded even if average defensive lineman.

I'd definitely pay for another DL before I'd pay for another OL like Veldheer. I might advocate for another CB before I'd advocate for paying Veldheer.

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Stroh's picture

August 30, 2020 at 11:57 am

I agree w/ about everything here. The OL is still quite good and should have all 5 positions covered. RT is really the only worry. I dont' think Turner is the answer to be honest, but they can make it work w/ him at RT by giving him some help. The backup depth is good inside and the backup RT will be the other of Turner or Wagner which ever isn't starting.

The backup LT is a problem, and like you said one every other team has. If Bahk were to get hurt, that's when the Packers would have to make a move for Veldheer. But that won't happen unless Bahk is hurt to the point he has to miss games. At the same time, I don't think Veldheer will actually be on the roster in any other circumstance.

The DL after Clark is the much bigger problem. They need Lowry to play consistently like he did in '18, or even better and they need at least one of Keke or Adam (which I seriously doubt) to become a competent starter. DL, RT and WR should be the big priorities in the '21 draft since they won't have the cap space for any FA .

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stockholder's picture

August 29, 2020 at 02:20 pm

If Gary can do what you say. BGs drafting won't be challenged for years. He will have the fan base wrapped around his finger. until Gary makes All-pro. The reservations are justified. If he stays injury free, he just might do it. But until seeing is believing. BG was crazy.

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 04:58 pm

Nothing crazy about it.

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stockholder's picture

August 29, 2020 at 05:05 pm

Bad shoulder. Moving a De to OLB. Passing on Wilkins DT/De.( Who had more awards.) Having two smiths already. Will see.

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Stroh's picture

August 29, 2020 at 07:13 pm

Wilkins isn't much of a pass rusher. If they were going to draft a DL insted of Gary, it would have been Simmons not Wilkins. I would have been fine with Simmons.

The Dr cleared his shoulder. Much to do about nothing IMO.

They knew he needed some development so having the Smiths helped him, so didn't have to be rushed to play. That was the plan the munute they drafted him.

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CoachDino's picture

August 30, 2020 at 03:28 am

Becoming ALL Pro is not the measuring stick by any means. Do you have any idea the % of guys who are named all pro at each position in a given year.

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Stroh's picture

August 30, 2020 at 12:05 pm

A redundant question if ever there was one. Clearly they don't! Its much too high a bar, even for a #12 overall draft pick.

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