2017 NFL Draft Prospect Profile: Ryan Glasgow, DT, Michigan

With their investments over the last two years on the defensive line, it would appear that the New York Giants are set there. However, they have a bit of a problem. One of their starting defensive tackles, Johnathan Hankins, is a free agent, and both of their back-ups, Jay Bromley and Robert Thomas, will be free agents after the 2017 season.

The Giants run a 4-3 defense, and while Steve Spagnuolo does like to move defensive ends inside to create athletic mismatches in certain situations, they still need more than one defensive tackle to do the play-in play-out dirty work in the middle of the defense. But with big long-term contracts to Jason Pierre-Paul, Olivier Vernon, and Damon Harrison -- not to mention thin spots elsewhere on the roster -- can the Giants really afford to invest another high draft pick in their defensive line?

The answer might be in the middle rounds, where prospects might not have the sterling measurables to get themselves drafted highly, but still have other redeeming qualities. Michigan’s Ryan Glasgow is just such a prospect.

Measurables

Pros

• Former walk-on who worked for his starting position, second team all-Big 10 recognition, and the Michigan Wolverines’ “Defensive Lineman Of The Year” award.
• Good-enough frame and build for the position.
• Relentless motor. Plays through the whistle fighting through blocks or in pursuit.
• Shows good power in the run game and when bull-rushing.
• Has surprising short-area quickness and counters with a decent rip move.
• Difficult for a single blocker to move, and can overpower linemen when he keeps his pad level down.

Cons

• Missed the 2015 season with a torn pectoral.
• Not much more than an average athlete for his position.
• Not explosive. Doesn’t jolt linemen.

Does He Fit With The Giants?

Glasgow might not be the interior game wrecker the Giants (and Giants’ fans) are looking for, but he does fit the Giants. He should be solid in the run game right off the bat, and has some pass-rush upside if he can keep his pads down. Glasgow would likely be a coach’s favorite thanks to his toughness, relentless motor, and work ethic.

At the very least, Glasgow should be a solid player who provides good depth and fits with their scheme of rotating ends inside in pass rush situations.

The Giants have at least some level of interest, meeting with him at the Michigan Pro Day.

Prospect Video

Big Board Rankings

Big Blue View - Not in Top 100

CBS Sports - 122nd overall

Draft Countdown - 144th overall

Draft Tek - 137th overall

Final Thoughts

With his brother, Graham Glasgow, starting for the Detroit Lions last year and after being coached by Jim Harbaugh, Ryan should have a leg up on other prospects in becoming a pro. There is no metric for measuring work ethic, but listening to teammates and coaches, and watching the totality of their time in school, you can get an idea.

Players like Ryan Glasgow, who might not have the kind of athleticism that gets sets scouts’ hearts a-flutter but have a relentless drive to maximize what they do have, tend to be pretty safe bets who won’t flame out prematurely.