Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary has been one of the team’s most dominant players throughout training camp. The former University of Michigan star worked hard this offseason with the aim of taking his game to another level in 2024.
Packers DE Rashan Gary Continues to Shine in Training Camp: Gary’s Career So Far
The Pack selected Gary in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft with the 12th overall pick. GM Brian Gutekunst had just signed Preston Smith and Za’Darius Smith as free agents, so the intention was to bring the rookie along slowly.
Gary recorded two sacks in his first NFL season and five in year two. By 2021, he had earned a starting job and recorded a career-high 9.5 sacks.
In 2022, Gary got off to a quick start. He recorded six sacks in the first eight games of the season. But in Week 9, he suffered a season-ending knee injury in Detroit.
Gary worked hard to get back on the field for the start of the 2023 season and he was in the lineup for Week 1. Despite being on a play count for many games, he appeared in all 17 contests and recorded nine sacks.
Few players have more hurries and a better pass rush win rate than Gary. His goal coming into the 2024 season was to convert some of those pressures and hurries to sacks.
The Start of Training Camp
The start of training camp for the 2024 season was eventful for Gary and the entire Packers defense. The Packers hired Jeff Hafley as their new defensive coordinator to replace Joe Barry. Hafley changed the formation from a three-man front to a four-man line. That meant after spending the first five years of his career lining up at outside linebacker, Gary would be lining up at defensive end this season.
Hafley’s defense is designed for the defensive linemen to gain penetration and disrupt plays. This more aggressive approach is a good fit for Gary who has elite athleticism and is fast off the snap of the ball. He also played defensive line at Michigan and is familiar with starting plays in a three-point stance.
From the beginning of OTAs, Gary has been a dominant force. He is now almost two years removed from his knee injury and should be back to full health by now. He is also now in the prime of his career at the age of 26.
Gary is ready and eager to begin the 2024 season.
Packers DE Rashan Gary Continues to Shine in Training Camp: The Assessment
Gary had another dominant performance at Family Night on Saturday. He had at least one sack and was in the backfield constantly. Gary’s ability to get a quick start off the snap of the ball was a major factor in his success.
“I feel more explosive coming out of a three-point stance,” Gary explained. “Sometimes when you’re in a two-point stance, you can create more false steps. With the hand in the dirt, the false steps are taken away.”
Offensive tackle Caleb Jones, who has gone against Gary in practice, has been extremely impressed with what he’s seen. “RG [Gary] is a complete defensive lineman, he’s a complete edge rusher. He’s got the combination of speed, power, body control, awareness. Then Jones added, “He’s a handful. He’s one of those you have to have a game plan for. If you don’t have a game plan, he’ll expose you.”
Gary’s coaches are also impressed by his play and his leadership qualities. “I said it before, I’ll say it again, he’s the best leader on our team,” defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich told reporters during OTAs. “He’s constantly pulling somebody aside to talk to them. [Gary’s] the engine. He drives it. It’s what he does.”
The Outlook for Gary
Gary has set high goals for himself. He’d like to reach double-digit sacks for the first time in his NFL career after getting 9.5 in 2021 and nine sacks last season. He would also like to earn Pro Bowl honors for the first time in his NFL career.
Gary signed a lucrative contract extension last year worth $96 million over four years. Now, he hopes to take his game to the next level and reach his full potential.
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