Green Bay Packers: EDGE Best and Worst Case Scenarios

Returning Roster Locks

Last year, the Smith brothers transformed the Green Bay Packers pass rush, and Rashan Gary showed the ability to be a big-time player in the future. 2020 could be a big year for all of them if they continue to build.

Za’Darius Smith

Za’Darius Smith was the heart and soul of the Green Bay Packers’ defense last year. He quickly became the leader in the locker room and on the field, being named defensive captain. He led the league in QB knockdowns with 22, and his 13.5 sacks were good for sixth.

He made his first Pro Bowl and had an excellent case for All-Pro too, but wasn’t voted into that distinction, so he gave his thoughts to the voters in the Divisional playoff game against the Seahawks. This season, I’m sure he’d love to put up even bigger numbers, make that All-Pro team, and prove his success last year wasn’t a fluke. The worst-case would be him regressing to the player he was in Baltimore, but I don’t see that happening.

Best Case Stats: 17 sacks, 23 TFLs, 40 QB Hits

Worst Case Stats: 9 sacks, 12 TFLs, 25 QB hits

Preston Smith

Preston Smith also had a career year in 2019, with career highs of 12 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and 23 quarterback hits. Smith was great on the edge opposite from Za’Darius, which made it more difficult for teams to double team Za’Darius because it would mean leaving Preston alone on the other side.

Preston’s best and worst possibilities for this season are very close to Za’Darius, but probably not quite the All-Pro team, though he could make his first Pro Bowl. He’ll still be the other starter opposite Za’Darius no matter what, and he’ll continue to make an impact. Even when he wasn’t getting big sack numbers in Washington, he was still making plays in other aspects of the game.

Best Case Stats: 14.5 sacks, 14 TFLs, 30 QB Hits

Worst Case Stats: 6 sacks, 8 TFLs, 15 QB Hits

Rashan Gary

There were many people questioning the pick of Rashan Gary at 12th overall for his lack of production in college and the Smiths having been signed in free agency for big money just weeks earlier. That criticism continued when Gary played only 24 percent of defensive snaps and finished the season with just two sacks.

He is one of the Green Bay Packers’ young players hoping to make a big jump in year two. His physical tools are ridiculous, and seeing them makes it clear why Green Bay drafted him. His speed score, burst score, and agility score are all in at least the 97th percentile. He’s still a raw talent, but he’s being taught by two of the best edge rushers in the game and refining his tool kit would mean big things for him in year two. If he can’t get his skills to match his physical ability, he’ll be seeing more of the bench.

Best Case Stats: 9.5 sacks, 8 TFLs, 18 QB Hits

Worst Case Stats: 3 sacks, 4 TFLs, 5 QB Hits