Green Bay Packers: 5 Underrated X-factors for Super Bowl run
By Joe Kipp
2. Rashan Gary, Edge defender
When the Packers selected outside linebacker Rashan Gary with the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, many were surprised that the team would take a gamble on such a tantalizing player. After all, with such high draft capital comes great expectations, fair or not.
After a disappointing rookie season, Gary has taken a step forward in his sophomore campaign. He’d never admit it, but it appeared Gary’s shoulder injury he suffered at Michigan affected him during his rookie season. Gary was able to rehab during the offseason and appears to be back to full strength.
The former first-rounder is finally hitting his stride at the right time, too. Over his past two games, Gary has 2.5 sacks, three quarterback hits and two tackles for losses. On the season, he has five total sacks and 10 quarterback hits.
While Gary isn’t a starter, he’ still finding a way to impact games. Pro Football Reference credits him with 18 quarterback pressures in 12 appearances (three starts). He’s already played more defensive snaps this season (361) than all of last season (244).
Gary will be an important player for the Packers defense as the team makes a final push for a Super Bowl. A defense can never have enough good pass-rushers.