NFL insider gives bold take on Rashan Gary, Eric Stokes
The Green Bay Packers have one of the most complete defenses in the NFL, at least one paper, heading into the 2022 season. The starting lineup could have up to seven first-round picks in it and according to defensive back Jaire Alexander, the group is “nasty, just nasty.”
NFL reporter Albert Breer was at the Packers’ training camp practice on Monday and revealed some key takeaways involving young players who could step up in 2022. Breer specifically pointed out former Michigan edge rusher Rashan Gary and former Georgia DB Eric Stokes as difference makers for the squad this season.
“(Eyes) on Rashan Gary,” Breer tweeted. “Was dominant last year, and looks ready to take another step—and part of it is that he’s been way more vocal. Was visible in practice today.”
“Eric Stokes = potential breakout CB,” Breer added. “Should get shots at the (football) with Jaire Alexander back.”
Eric Stokes had 43 solo tackles and an interception last season. With Alexander on the other side, teams will likely end up throwing the ball his way more often in 2022.
Gary makes bold claim on Packers defense
Rashan Gary is pumped up for the start of the 2022 season after what he’s seen this offseason. Gary believes his Packers defense is hungrier than ever. He made a bold claim about the unit for the upcoming NFL season.
“We’re not even at regular training camp (and) our defense is flying around,” Gary said during the spring workouts. “We’re going to be scary. We could be as good as we want to be. We just have to push each other day-in and day-out.”
Gary started in all 16 games he played last year and played 68 percent of Green Bay’s defensive snaps. With the increase in playing time from the 2020 season, the former first-round pick of the 2019 NFL Draft was able to show why he was a top selection that year. Gary finished his third NFL season with 47 total tackles, 27 solo, eight tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery.
This offseason, the Packers added an influx of youth and talent to the defense. Green Bay spent their two first-round picks of the 2022 NFL Draft on a pair of Georgia Bulldogs defensive standouts. Green Bay selected the Bulldogs’ massive six-foot-four linebacker Quay Walker with the number 22 pick. And followed that up by taking defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt just six selections later.
With the amount of talent Green Bay has in their front seven and in their secondary, with All-Pro corner Jaire Alexander, Gary is right. The Packers defense can be scary good in 2022.
On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this report.