Packers 2022 roster preview: Jonathan Garvin provides pass-rush depth
The Green Bay Packers‘ lack of offseason additions at edge rusher is good news for Jonathan Garvin.
While the Packers did select Kingsley Enagbare on Day 3 of the draft, they also moved on from Pro Bowler Za’Darius Smith.
Will Garvin make the Packers’ roster this season?
2021 stats
Garvin was active for 16 of the Packers’ 17 games with one start. In that time, he made 1.5 sacks and five quarterback hits.
According to Pro Football Reference, Garvin made 11 pressures and five hurries. He was one of the Packers’ main backups at edge rusher, playing 395 defensive snaps.
2021 season review
At edge rusher, most of Green Bay’s production came from starters Rashan Gary and Preston Smith. The backup pass rushers were unable to provide much consistency.
Fortunately, defensive linemen Kenny Clark and Dean Lowry combined for nine sacks and 22 quarterback hits in 2021.
Garvin’s top two games were at San Francisco (0.5 sacks, two quarterback hits) and at Chicago (one sack).
Will he make the roster?
Green Bay will likely keep around five edge rushers on its initial 53-man roster.
Rashan Gary, Preston Smith, and Kingsley Enagbare are roster locks. That possibly leaves two spots open. Garvin will compete with Tipa Galeai, Randy Ramsey, and LaDarius Hamilton.
Unless the Packers sign a veteran pass rusher over the summer, there is a good chance Garvin will be part of the 53-man roster.
What to expect in 2022
As of yet, Green Bay hasn’t done as much at edge rusher as many expected. The team did draft Enagbare, but not until the fifth round.
It gives the likes of Garvin and Ramsey a tremendous opportunity. With a strong training camp and preseason, a spot on the 53-man roster could be theirs.
Garvin did play some special teams snaps last season. If he can impress on special teams this summer, his chances of making the roster will likely increase.
If the Packers sign a veteran pass rusher, things could change. But right now, Garvin has every chance of making the 53-man roster.