Packers’ edge rusher depth chart after second week of free agency
The Green Bay Packers should make the most of a talented edge rusher draft class this year.
While the Packers have talent at edge rusher, there are a few reasons why they should consider adding to the position early in the draft. We’ll get to that in a moment.
As things stand, Green Bay’s edge rusher depth chart looks similar to last season.
One move the team has made in free agency was to re-sign Justin Hollins, a good decision after he made 2.5 sacks in just six games last season.
Packers projected edge rusher depth chart after second week of free agency
- Rashan Gary
- Preston Smith
- Kingsley Enagbare
- Justin Hollins
- Jonathan Garvin
- La’Darius Hamilton
Once Rashan Gary is back from injury, the Packers will be set at the starting positions. Gary was on course for a Pro Bowl year before suffering a season-ending injury.
Preston Smith is still a solid starter, although he turns 31 in November and could be entering his final year or two in Green Bay.
Kingsley Enagbare showed potential in year one, but will he be able to take on a starting role at some point? Justin Hollins provides good depth.
What this Packers defense needs is another difference-maker at edge rusher. Much like when the Packers drafted Gary despite already having Za’Darius and Preston Smith on the roster, they could do the same this year.
It’s a deep draft class for pass rushers, so Green Bay will have plenty of opportunities in the early rounds.
Potential first-round targets include Clemson’s Myles Murphy, Georgia’s Nolan Smith, Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness, and Iowa State’s Will McDonald IV.
While edge rusher might not be the Packers’ biggest overall need, it should be near the top of their to-do list entering the 2023 NFL Draft, given the importance of the position.