Top 5 NFC North edge rushers in 2023 ranked

1. Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers

Rashan Gary has gone from rising star to one of the most dominant pass rushers in the NFL.

Before suffering a torn ACL last season, Gary was on his way to a career year. According to Pro Football Reference, he made six sacks, 12 quarterback hits, 17 pressures, five hurries, and six quarterback knockdowns in fewer than nine full games.

In his last fully-healthy season in 2021, Gary made 9.5 sacks, 28 quarterback hits, 47 pressures, 20 hurries, 16 quarterback knockdowns, and forced two fumbles.

He then put in one of the Packers' most dominant individual defensive performances in recent memory, making two sacks, three quarterback hits, and three tackles for loss in the divisional round against the San Francisco 49ers.

Gary doesn't just pressure quarterbacks, but is also an excellent run defender.

Had it not been for a season-ending injury, Gary was on track for a year worthy of a Pro Bowl selection.

The Packers badly missed Gary after his injury, struggling for consistency with their pass rush. His return will help Green Bay's pass defense take a significant step forward this season.

With only a year remaining on his contract, the Packers need to work out a long-term deal with their star pass rusher.

More Packers news and analysis