Packers 2022 roster preview: Rashan Gary set for huge season

The world is beginning to realize how talented Green Bay Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary is.

Gary has improved in each of his three seasons and ranked near the top in various pass-rushing categories in 2021.

Could this be the year Gary takes that next step and becomes a Pro Bowler? Absolutely. He may even become an NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

2021 stats

Gary played 16 games for the Packers last season, starting all of them. He made 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits, both career-bests.

According to Pro Football Reference, Gary also made 47 pressures and 20 hurries, ranking top-five in the NFL for both categories.

2021 season review

It was a fantastic year for Gary.

Pro Football Focus ranked the top 101 players in the NFL from the 2021 season — Gary is 34th.

The Packers needed Gary to step up as Za’Darius Smith missed most of the regular season due to injury. And the former first-round pick delivered. He is now the Packers’ top pass rusher and one of the best young defensive players in the league.

Will he make the roster?

Yes. Not only will Gary make the roster and start every game for the Packers, but he is one of the team’s most important players.

What to expect in 2022

The sky is the limit for Gary. Each year, he has improved.

And he played some outstanding football last season. His 9.5 sacks don’t tell the full story. Gary was consistently putting quarterbacks under pressure.

If Gary continues his development again this year, he can be a Pro Bowler and All-Pro. That’s how high the ceiling is.

If everything comes together and his pressures turn into more sacks, perhaps Gary could even enter the NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversation.

Only time will tell, but Gary is one of the best young defensive players in the league. The sky is the limit.