Edge rushers are drafted early to disrupt the quarterback, but the Green Bay Packers believe second-year outside linebacker Rashan Gary is capable of playing a bigger role against the run on early downs.
Defensive coordinator Mike Pettine said an evaluation of Gary’s rookie season revealed a physical and violent player who could help the defense better set the edge against the run.
“(Gary) was one of our better guys when we went back and just looked at outside linebackers setting an edge in the run game, just how physical and how violent he was against tight ends and certain blocking patterns, that we realized we need to get him on the field more,” Pettine said during a conference call with reporters.
Of Gary’s 244 snaps as a rookie, only 94 came against the run. The bulk of the run-stopping duties at outside linebacker were given to Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith, who both played well over 80 percent of the defense’s total snaps in 2019.
The Packers want a better distribution of snaps in 2020. Getting Gary on the field more as an early-down edge-setter could help keep the two Smiths fresh for passing downs and give Gary more chances to impact the game as he develops.
“Rashan is certainly built to give those guys a break,” Pettine said.
Gary proved capable over a limited sample size against the run. He produced six run stops, which Pro Football Focus considers a tackle creating a “loss” for the offense, and he had a higher run stop percentage than both Smiths. Also, PFF’s grade for Gary against the run was almost nine points higher than his pass-rushing grade.
At Michigan, Gary was far more productive against the run than as a pass-rusher.
At 6-5 and 277 pounds, Gary certainly has the body type to be a quality edge-setter. In theory, he has the length to get off blocks and the power to create knockbacks against offensive tackles and tight ends.
Putting Gary on the field more against the run could help maximize his value while he continues to develop as a pass-rusher.
Pettine and the Packers are clearly planning a bigger role for Gary, the 12th overall pick in the 2019 draft who managed limited impact during his first season. He’ll be the top backup at outside linebacker, and Pettine believes Gary can do more on early downs against the run while also giving the defense another versatile rusher who can slide inside and rush the quarterback against guards and centers.
All teams want to see a big second-year jump from young players. The Packers are going to give Gary every chance possible to make the jump in a bigger role in 2020.
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