5 bold predictions for Packers entering 2022 season
3. Rashan Gary wins Defensive Player of the Year
It’s only fitting that the league’s No. 1 defense also includes the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Winning this award isn’t easy. Every year, there are many standout performers around the league. But Rashan Gary has every chance.
Gary’s numbers in 2021 were impressive. Per Pro Football Reference, he ranked inside the top five for pressures, hurries, and quarterback knockdowns. That’s to go with a Packers-best 9.5 sacks and 28 quarterback hits.
According to Pro Football Focus, Gary’s pass-rush grade of 90.1 last year was higher than any Packers edge rusher since 2006.
The scary part? Yes, Gary was great last season. But he could be even better in 2022.
If you’ve spent a minute or two reading the Packers’ training camp updates from reporters, you’ll notice a common theme: Rashan Gary is in the backfield. Had sacks been allowed at practice, Gary would have around a million. Updates like this one are posted regularly at each practice:
Rashan Gary just completely blew up the interior of the line in red zone. Grown men hanging on for dear life…
— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) August 2, 2022
Gary has improved each season. He was dominant in 2021.
The 2019 first-round pick has been unstoppable at training camp so far. He will be one of the most important players on an excellent defense.
If Gary can take that next step and increase his sack total, the Defensive Player of the Year award could be his.