The 2019 NFL Draft presented the Green Bay Packers with a rare opportunity for an early first-round pick. It seemed likely they’d take a blue-chip difference-maker like either one of the Iowa tight ends, T.J. Hockenson and Noah Fant, or a premier pass-rusher like Brian Burns or Montez Sweat.
Instead, they took Rashan Gary out of Michigan. The selection was met with skepticism, especially since other edge prospects like Burns and Sweat appeared to be more polished. An athletic freak of nature entering college, Gary hadn’t quite lived up to the hype in Michigan. Though he tested well at the combine, taking what appeared to be a project that early rubbed many Packers fans and media the wrong way.
Green Bay had recently signed Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, so the Packers did not need to throw Gary into the fire. He showed flashes in his first two seasons, but nothing “12th-overall pick” worthy.
In his third season, it seems like patience and coaching paid off. Gary has been one of the keys to this dominant Green Bay defense, and his star shines brighter every week. He’s a bonafide threat, and his success will affect the outside linebacker group in 2022 and beyond.
With Za’Darius Smith out due to a back injury, Gary was thrust into the starting role. He’s been the best OLB on the team, with an 82.3 PFF grade. Gary leads the Packers’ defense with 6.5 sacks. He’s created two forced fumbles, had 17 solo tackles, and he has a monstrous 29 pressures. Gary has been in the face of quarterbacks all season, and he’s getting better at turning pressures into sacks. He’ll only be 24 by the end of the season, and he’s improving every week.
Gary had his most impactful play of the season against the allegedly good Los Angeles Rams offense. He had a beautiful strip-sack of Matthew Stafford, which set up Green Bay’s first points on the day. He beat Andrew Whitworth, one of the league’s best tackles. Whitworth had only given up seven pressures before facing Gary and the Packers’ defense. Gary would finish the day with a sack, forced fumble, two quarterback hits, and four pressures.
Defensive coordinator Joe Barry praised Gary’s toughness following the game. “I’m really proud of him because he’s tough as nails, man,” he said. “He wasn’t 100%. He’s hurting. But, man, did he battle through it. There was a lot of huge plays yesterday, but that sack-fumble was a crucial part early in the game.”
Being able to learn behind two veteran leaders and being coached by such a passionate position coach in Mike Smith turned out to be the ideal incubator for Gary. A few good Smiths turned young Gary into the Bane Gary he is today.
Gary has played so well, it’s hard to see him going back to a rotational role. While Za’Darius Smith could return this season, his status is still unknown, and there is no clear timeline on a potential return. With Smith’s large cap hit and desire for a long-term deal, he could be a cap causality as Green Bay heads into a tight financial year.
Losing Za’Darius would be hard to swallow. He’s been one of the defensive leaders since arriving in Green Bay in 2019. He’s beloved by the fans, has a great friendship with Preston, and he’s been terrific on the field. Giving up an elite edge rusher isn’t ideal, and I am by no means advocating this action.
But with Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams‘ futures uncertain, releasing Za’Darius might be the easiest way to clear cap space to bring their two best offensive players back. It’s a very real possibility. That decision might be a little easier with Gary playing as well as he has as the No. 1 OLB.
Should the Packers move on from Za’Darius Smith, Green Bay may feel comfortable with Gary and Preston Smith as their starting edge rushers. However, a tight cap situation could mean Preston has to go eventually, too. The team needs depth at OLB regardless, and an early-round investment next season seems logical.
Still, Gary’s hunger to improve every week should have Green Bay feeling good about their investment. He went from a pick many scoffed at to a Pro Bowl-level OLB1.
For now, the future is a long way off. What matters now is that the Packer defense has an elite, young pass-rusher causing havoc regularly. Rashan Gary has embraced the chance to be in the spotlight and is making the most of Za’Darius Smith’s absence. He’s more than proved he can handle the responsibility, and his future is bright.
