Packers: 5 young defensive players who could shine in playoffs

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 13: Jaire Alexander #23 of the Green Bay Packers intercepts a pass intended for Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings in the second quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 13, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

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GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN – DECEMBER 15: Linebacker Rashan 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) /

3. Rashan Gary

Rashan Gary has certainly taken the Year 2 leap after a quiet rookie campaign and looks like he could develop into a future cornerstone of this defense. After being selected with the 12th overall pick in 2019, he disappointed some with his play in his first year.

However, the Packers’ front office knew he’d be more of a project and were willing to be patient from the day they drafted him. That patience is already paying off, as Gary is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Tennesee Titans. In the snow and cold, he registered a season-high six hurries to go along with four tackles.

On the season, he has 26 hurries, five hits and seven sacks–a huge jump from his 2019 numbers. If he can continue to excel in the playoffs, the Packers have an amazing three-man rotation at outside linebacker.

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