The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2022 NFL draft.
Rashan Gary and Preston Smith give the Green Bay Packers a formidable pass-rushing duo. Those two combined for 18.5 sacks last season and could see that number increase with Gary entering his fourth year and fully primed to become one of the most dynamic edge rushers in the NFL.
With those two edge rushers in place, the Packers have the best pass-rushing duo in the NFC North. The depth behind Gary and Smith leaves a lot to be desired.
Luckily for the Packers, the 2022 NFL draft will give Brian Gutekunst an ample opportunity to restock the talent at the position behind his two starters.
An edge rusher that Green Bay’s general manager could target on day three of the upcoming draft is Jeffrey Gunter. The Coastal Carolina pass-rusher checks in at No. 19 in the Unpacking Future Packers countdown.
Gunter, a two-star recruit out of North Carolina ended his Coastal Carolina career with 37 career starts under his belt. There was a slight one-year detour when he transferred to North Carolina State to be closer to family, but never played a down for his hometown team.
As a sophomore in 2018, Gunter led the team with 14 tackles for loss to go along with five sacks. In 2019, Gunter transferred to NC State but had to sit out due to transfer rules.
Gunter then entered the transfer portal after one year and ended up back at Coastal Carolina. In 2020, Gunter recorded 58 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks and forced an FBS-leading six forced fumbles. He also recorded an interception against Kansas, when he tipped the ball at the line of scrimmage and came down with the pick.
This past season Gunter recorded 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks and forced two fumbles. He finished his career with 38.5 tackles for loss and 17 sacks.
“Gunter is a high-motor player,” Eric Henry, the Co-Managing editor for Underdog Dynasty, said. “At 6-4, 260 pounds, he is equipped to play both end and outside linebacker, which he did at Coastal Carolina.”
Gunter Looks like he was sent from central casting. The Coastal Carolina edge rusher checks in at 6’4” and 258 pounds. Gunter showcased his athleticism, recording a 4.7, (1.57 10-yard split) and a vertical of 35.5 inches. That explosiveness is a big reason why Gunter was No. 8 on Bruce Feldman’s Annual Freak’s list.
From Feldman:
The former two-star recruit, who has been a Dean’s List student for CCU, has measurables NFL scouts will love. At 6-4, 273, Gunter vertical jumps 39 inches and broad jumps 10-2. He’s bull-strong in the weight room too, benching 435 (doing 225 for 30 reps), squatting 525 and power cleaning — with no wrist straps — 365. His pro shuttle time of 4.37 also is terrific.
In the Coastal scheme Gunter plays the “bandit” position, which is an outside linebacker that plays to the boundary, drops into coverage and plays in a two-point stance so he can disguise rushing vs. dropping in pass coverage. In last season’s opener when Coastal whipped Kansas, Gunter ran with the Jayhawks’ most dynamic athlete, Pooka Williams, on a wheel route, and he stuck with him.
“He has great length and raw athletic ability,” said Coastal defensive coordinator Chad Staggs, “but I believe what sets him apart is his work ethic and relentless effort.”
As a pass-rusher, Gunter uses his hands well and has good length. Gunter has good initial burst off the line of scrimmage (1.57 10-yard split). He has a wide array of pass rush moves to keep linemen off balance.
The production didn’t always match the traits for Gunter. According to Pro Football Focus, Gunter finished this past season with just 34 pressures on 258 pass-rushing reps.
“He’s not going to wow you with speed off the edge,” Henry said. “However, he is a “natural” pass rusher. Overall, really good instincts and has a feel for getting to the quarterback. What you would have liked to see more of is winning consistently against subpar competition. With that said, when the quarterback is in the pocket, he finds his way consistently in harassing the passer.”
Gunter does a good job using his length to extend into blockers. He’s strong at the point of attack and sets a strong edge, rarely losing contain. He has a knack for making himself skinny and knifing through gaps to disrupt the action in the backfield.
“As a run defender he excels,” Henry said. “His 38.5 tackles for loss over four seasons is evidence enough that he’s very capable against the run and he does a nice job of playing fundamentally sound, especially in a defensive system that is multiple and asks a fair amount of the front seven.”
Fit with the Packers
Gunter has all the traits that teams are looking for in edge rushers. If a team can unlock all that untapped potential, they’ll be getting a steal on day three of the draft.
“With Gunter, you know what you’re getting,” Henry said. “There’s no “boom or bust” factor. He’s a player who always plays with a high motor, is versatile enough to stand up or play as an end and should be able to contribute on special teams.”
With his athleticism, length and creative hands, Gunter has all the tools to develop into a terror off the edge. The question is if he’ll ever reach his potential? If he doesn’t reach his ceiling, he could serve as a career-long rotational piece on the edge.
A team can never have enough pass rushers, and Gunter at worst will provide quality depth for the Packers behind Gary and Smith. Gunter has an NFL-ready frame with all the traits that teams desire.
[lawrence-related id=75800]