5 breakout candidates for the Packers in 2022 season
1. EDGE Rashan Gary
You could argue Rashan Gary had a breakout season in 2021, and that would be fair. Gary established himself as the Packers’ number one pass rusher, while ranking inside the top five of various pass-rushing categories in the league.
However, the reason I include him here is because Gary could be set for that next step. The final step to become a superstar pass rusher. One of the best in the NFL. A Defensive Player of the Year candidate.
Gary has consistently generated pressure and made life difficult for quarterbacks. He made 9.5 sacks in 2021. If he can turn all that pressure into 15+ sacks, we’ll be talking about an All-Pro season from Gary. He certainly has the ability to make it happen.
If this summer is anything to go by, Gary is set for a huge season. He has been far and away Green Bay’s training camp MVP.
If you have followed Packers reporters on Twitter during practices, you will have seen multiple tweets like this one every single day.
Rashan Gary just destroyed a Yosh/Aaron Jones double team for an easy sack on Love. Love looked shocked Gary was there so quick.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) August 9, 2022
Aaron Rodgers and Jordan Love will just be relieved Gary couldn’t actually sack them during practice. Opposing quarterbacks won’t be so lucky in the regular season.
Gary was an outstanding pass rusher last year. This season, he could establish himself as a top-five NFL edge rusher. And who knows, he could even enter the Defensive Player of the Year conversation.