Three Biggest Questions Facing Green Bay Packers' Defense in 2020

Three Biggest Questions Facing Green Bay Packers’ Defense in 2020

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive Coordinator Mike Pettine of the Green Bay Packers looks on from the sidelines against the San Francisco 49ers during the first half of an NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Rasha n Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers reacts to a defensive stop in the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field on December 15, 2019 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

2. What role with Rashan Gary play?

When the Packers selected Rashan Gary with the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, it was largely expected by the coaching staff that his rookie year would basically be a learning one. Although he flashed at Michigan and his elite athleticism is clear as day, his fundamentals needed a lot of work.

It appears he’s been putting in that work and is set to play a huge role in the Packers’ defense in 2020. At 6-foot-5 and 277 pounds, he has great size combined with strength and speed around the edge. This versatility will allow defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to play him alongside Smith and Smith instead of having him substitute for one of the Packers’ best pass rushers directly. It will be fun to see Gary and Z. Smith, specifically, line up all over the place and keep offenses on their toes.

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