Jersey-born Rashan Gary on playing for Giants: “It would be a great thing”

Michigan defensive lineman Rashan Gary is not lacking for confidence.

“I’m the best player in this draft, offensively or defensively,” Gary said at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “Period.”

Gary is projected to be a top-10 pick in April’s NFL Draft. He is an athlete with the perquisite size (6’4 3/8”) and speed (4.58 40-yard dash) to succeed at the NFL level. He finished first in the 40-yard dash and vertical jump (38”), second in the three-cone drill (7.26 seconds), and fourth in the 20-yard shuttle (4.29 seconds).

His biggest assets going in are his pure talent and athleticism, which could make up for poor test scores and inconsistent play throughout his career with the Wolverines.

“I’m able to do a lot of different things that a lot of linemen in this class can’t do,” Gary said. “When it comes to self-motivating, it’s my will to be great. I want to be great now. I want to be a Pro Bowler. I want to be a Hall of Famer. I want to be a Super Bowl champion. You are going to get that attitude right away.”

Gary is a native of Plainfield, N.J., less than 30 miles from the New York Giants’ East Rutherford home. How does he feel about playing for his hometown team?

“I’m a Jersey kid, so being able to go back to play for the home team…and win games would mean a lot,” Gary said. “It would be a great thing.”

Gary met with the Giants Saturday night. He let them know playing so close to home would not be an issue for him.

“Not a concern at all,” Gary said. “I’ve been wanting to play in the NFL since I was 10 years old. If I get the opportunity to do that, nothing is going to happen.”

The Giants have the No. 6 overall pick. If Gary is available, general manager Dave Gettleman and the rest of the team’s brain trust should seriously consider adding this freakish athlete to a defense in need of raw talent.

– Curtis Rawls is a Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage and covers the NFL and the New York Giants. Please like and follow on Facebook and Twitter. Curtis can be followed on Twitter @CuRawls203.