Coming off best year yet, Rashan Gary ‘hungrier’ than ever

Last year at this time, Gary’s development prompted discussions about how much he and the Smiths would be on the field together, but Za’Darius’ season-long back injury prevented that from coming to fruition.

Now with Za’Darius in Minnesota, it’s unequivocally the Preston and Rashan show off the edges, with the depth behind them needing to sort itself out in training camp.

The other big change is with the position coach, as Mike Smith has been replaced by Jason Rebrovich. Gary was especially close to Smith, who was a huge supporter of his publicly and privately, touting at every opportunity the player he saw Gary growing into.

Gary noted the transition to Rebrovich has gone smoothly, saying “the energy is high with Coach Rebs,” and Gary has been open to different ways to refine his techniques if not take on new ones at Rebrovich’s suggestion.

Evaluating himself from last season, Gary felt he made strides with his play recognition, seeing and reacting to certain blocks better and faster. Where he wants to continue to improve is with finishing his chances to make a play, an indication he believes his totals of 9½ sacks and eight TFLs last season could’ve been higher.

“Anytime I have a one-on-one, I want to win,” he said. “That’s my main thing. When it’s time to win, I want to be the guy that wins.”

How regularly he’ll be blocked one-on-one is an interesting question. Gary won’t be sneaking up on anybody this year and is sure to draw plenty of attention as opponents game plan against Green Bay.

But with Preston Smith coming off the other edge, Kenny Clark on the interior, De’Vondre Campbell in the middle of it all, and the Packers adding Georgia’s Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt in the first round of the draft, Green Bay’s defense has high-impact players in the front seven in good supply.

Much like how Gary feels about his own career, though, while there’s a lot to like, the work still must get done to achieve more.

“We’re not even at regular training camp (and) our defense…