Packers: 5 biggest 2021 draft needs based on season so far

2. Edge rusher

The Packers invested a lot into their pass rush a couple of offseasons ago. In 2019, we saw it pay off with the Smith Bros. both putting up double-digit sacks. This year, Green Bay’s pass rush hasn’t been anywhere close to good enough considering the money and draft picks spent at the position.

Za’Darius Smith hasn’t been quite as consistent but he’s having another strong season and is on pace for 13 sacks, which would be just under his 2019 total. He’s also on pace for 27 quarterback hits; he put up 37 last season. He might not finish with quite the same numbers as last year, but Smith is playing well.

The same isn’t true for Preston Smith. Last year, he put up 12 sacks but only has 1.5 after 10 games. He’s on pace for just eight quarterback hits this season after making 23 in 2019.

Rashan Gary has 2.5 sacks and seven quarterback hits this year. While he has improved on his rookie season which is good news, Gary is yet to become the player the Packers hoped they were drafting.

There’s still time for Gary to develop into a star player but the Packers should look for some more pass-rush help in the offseason.

According to ESPN, the Packers are 21st in pass rush win rate this season. After the investment the team has put into this area of the defense, they need to see big improvements in the final stretch of the season. If not, it’ll be an area of focus again in the offseason.