While a first-time Pro Bowler in 2024, Green Bay Packers defensive end Rashan Gary did not finish among the top 10 players in ESPN’s preseason rankings of edge rushers compiled by Jeremy Fowler. In fact, Gary wasn’t even an honorable mention despite receiving votes.
Fowler spoke with coaches, executives and scouts to rank players at every position. Not surprisingly, Gary failed to gain recognition as a top player after a solid but far from spectacular 2024 season.
Gary produced 7.5 sacks, 15 quarterback hits and 47 pressures across 416 pass-rushing snaps last season. In 2023, Gary had 9.0 sacks, 22 quarterback hits and 60 pressures on 384 pass-rushing snaps, so his production dipped rather significantly last season, even if Gary was an effective run-stopping defensive end in Year 1 in Jeff Hafley’s defense.
At Pro Football Focus, Gary’s pass-rushing grade has fallen each of the last three seasons. He was at his best in 2021, when he created a career-best 81 pressures, 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits. While a solid all-around edge rusher, Gary will need to be far more disruptive as a pass-rusher to regain his status as one of the NFL’s best.
Can Gary rediscover his pass-rushing capabilities as a second-year player in Hafley’s defense? The Packers need more from everyone up front in 2025, including Gary, to improve as a pass-rushing unit.
Top 10 edge rushers via ESPN
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers’ Rashan Gary must be more disruptive to regain status as one of NFL’s top edge rushers
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
