Packers rookie review: OLB Rashan Gary

Reviewing the rookie season of Packers first-round pick Rashan Gary.

The Green Bay Packers made eight picks during the 2019 NFL draft and signed several others during college free agency, adding an influx of first-year talent to the roster. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be going through and reviewing the 2019 season for all of the Packers’ top rookies.

First up: edge rusher Rashan Gary, the 12th overall pick and the Packers’ first-round draft selection in 2019:

Season stats

Gary produced 21 tackles, 2.0 sacks, three tackles for losses, two quarterback hits and one fumble recovery over 16 games. He also delivered 15 total pressures on 145 pass-rushing attempts, per Pro Football Focus. He missed three tackles against the run and gave up two completions in coverage. Only seven first-round picks from the 2019 class finished with a worst overall grade at PFF.

Snap counts

Gary played 244 defensive snaps (24 percent) during the regular season and another 12 during the postseason. He was 16th on the team in total defensive snaps played. Gary’s season-high for snaps played was 26 against the Denver Broncos in Week 3. He played a season-low three snaps in the NFC title game against the San Francisco 49ers. Only seven times did Gary play 25 percent or more of the defense’s snaps in a game.

Best game

Week 3 against the Broncos. Gary delivered his first-career sack, four tackles (one for loss) and a fumble recovery while playing 26 snaps. The sack came with the Packers protecting an 11-point lead in the fourth quarter. Gary worked through a chip, beat the right tackle and then chased down Joe Flacco as he attempted to scramble.

Worst game

Week 5 in Dallas. Gary played 22 snaps, including 17 as a pass-rusher, and failed to record a single pressure. He also got beat on a wheel route by Ezekiel Elliott for 27 yards.

Best play

In Week 15, Gary tallied his second-career sack when he gained the edge against Bears right tackle Cornelius Lucas, turned the corner and tracked down Mitchell Trubisky. The play showcased his blend of athleticism and power. He got to the outside shoulder of the offensive tackle, ripped his hands through the block and closed the space on Trubisky.

Season recap, future outlook

Signing Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith allowed the Packers to bring Gary along slowly during his rookie season, a rare opportunity for a top-15 overall pick. The Michigan star needed the time to develop because he wasn’t close to ready to be an every-down player in 2019. There were flashes of disruptive ability from Gary as a rotational and situational rusher but just as many or more that showed how much more development the 22-year-old needs. He needs work getting off the ball and getting off blocks. His toolbox remains limited but his ceiling is high due to his rare athletic gifts. Learning to play as a standup linebacker created another hurdle for his development, so there’s a chance he’ll be more comfortable and play much faster as a second-year player in 2020. The Packers envision him as a versatile rusher who can affect the quarterback from the edge on normal down and distances and then kick inside and beat guards and centers on passing downs, much like Za’Darius Smith. Cam Jordan and Everson Griffen are two recent examples of big, athletic pass-rushers who needed a lot of time and work before they were great players.

Season grade

Gary played the majority of his snaps as a situational rusher on passing downs. His production and impact were marginal, and his talent only showed up in flashes. The Packers and everyone else knew he needed at least a season to develop, so the lack of results wasn’t hugely surprising. Still, it’s not unreasonable to have expected more tangible production from the 12th overall pick in the draft. D+

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