NFC North pass rush units ranked from worst to best in 2023

As the NFC North loses several star edge defenders, the Packers added talent.
Minnesota Vikings v Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings v Green Bay Packers / Stacy Revere/GettyImages
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1. Green Bay Packers

The Packers just take first place ahead of the Lions. Detroit's pass rush has sky-high potential, but Green Bay has more experience.

Rashan Gary is one of the best pass rushers in the league. He was on track for a career year before suffering a torn ACL in 2022. Preston Smith is an experienced player who consistently produces, having made 33.5 sacks and 71 quarterback hits in four seasons with the Packers.

Green Bay has tremendous depth, arguably its deepest pass-rush group in years.

The Packers drafted Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick. He should make an immediate impact in Joe Barry's defense. Second-year Kingsley Enagbare filled in for Rashan Gary in the starting lineup last season and showed plenty of potential. The Packers also re-signed Justin Hollins after he made 2.5 sacks and four quarterback hits in six games.

Green Bay also has an excellent interior pass rusher in Kenny Clark, who has eight sacks and 23 quarterback hits over the past two seasons.

The Packers' pass rush didn't meet expectations last year, but losing Gary midway through the season was a huge reason why. Hollins proved to be a smart in-season addition, and they have since drafted Van Ness. Along with Gary's return, the upside is huge for the Packers' pass rush in 2023.

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