At least one national analyst believes Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary is in for a big 2024 season. How big? Peter Schrager of NFL Network recently predicted Gary, who is transitioning to 4-3 defensive end and now another year removed from ACL surgery, will win NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2024.
The Packers haven’t had a player win the award since cornerback Charles Woodson in 2009. An edge rusher has won the award three straight years, including Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett last season.
Could Gary be next?
In his first year back after tearing his ACL last season, Gary produced 9.0 sacks and 22 quarterback hits while playing only 53 percent of the Packers’ defensive snaps.
Consider the following when evaluating Gary’s potential for a big season:
— He’s going back to putting his hand in the dirt as a 4-3 defensive end in Jeff Hafley’s attacking front. It’s an upfield and disruptive scheme designed to create negative plays. Gary already said he feels “more explosive” in the 4-3.
— He’s likely to be closer to a full-time player in his second season post-injury, especially after getting a healthy offseason.
— He’s playing alongside a lot of talent, including Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt inside. The Packers will be difficult to block, and teams may have to pick their poison in terms of who to double team in passing situations.
Before his injury in 2022, Gary was on the field for 70 percent of the defense’s snaps and on his way to a potential Pro Bowl season. Don’t be surprised if he picks up where he left off in 2024.
What will it take to win the award?
Garrett produced 14.0 sacks, 30 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles and 17 tackles for loss in 2023.
Nick Bosa produced an NFL-high 18.5 sacks, 35 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and 16 tackles for loss in 2022.
T.J. Watt produced an NFL-high 22.5 sacks, 39 quarterback hits, five forced fumbles and an NFL-high 21 tackles for loss in 2021.
The journey for Gary and the Packers begins Friday night in Brazil. The opener is the perfect opportunity for Gary to make a big statement to the rest of the NFL — it’s a primetime, nationally televised showdown against Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles. All eyes will be on Brazil on Friday. A big-time performance on a big stage could set Gary on an award-winning path in 2024.
Also, Schrager — who has predicted the last five Super Bowl winners — predicted the Kansas City Chiefs to beat the Packers in the Super Bowl this year.