Written by Garin Turner
The Green Bay Packers continued to build its defense after a mostly defensive free agency focus. With the 12th pick in the first draft, the Packers took Rashan Gary, a defensive end from the University of Michigan.
Michigan had the top-ranked defense for most of the year last year. Gary is 6’4 and 277 pounds. Some analysts pointed to his lack of production at Michigan and he has had a couple of injuries that slowed him down. He chose to sit out of Michigan’s bowl game this past season, so his motivation has also come into question.
Gary was doubled teamed for most of the year and did affect a lot of plays. While he didn’t get a lot of sacks, just 3.5, quarterbacks always had to be aware of where Gary was on the field. The Packers could use Gary a bunch of different ways. He could be a third-down rusher either on the end or at linebacker. He ran a 4.5 at the combine so he has the speed.
While quarterback Aaron Rodgers needs some more options on offense, the defense has been middle of the road at best the last few years. The Packers were scheduled to pick at 30 but moved up to 21 to take safety Darnell Savage. The secondary has been an issue for the Packers for years and they traded away safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix last year. The former Maryland safety is 5’11 and 198 pounds. He has the speed to keep up with receivers having run a 4.3 at the combine. As a sophomore, Savage had 59 tackles and one interception. As a junior, he was given honorable mention All-Big Ten with 59 tackles and a team-high eight pass breakups and three interceptions which was tied for the best. In his final season, he had four interceptions, two pass breakups, and 52 tackles which was good enough to earn second team all-conference.
