The Packers have an elite defense on paper. That should not be a question. However, they do have a depth problem. They have a couple of positions that need some help behind the starters. The outside linebacker spot is one of those positions. Yes, they locked up Preston Smith for another four years this offseason. Yes, Rashan Gary appears to be an absolute star. Yes, they drafted edge-rusher J.J. Enagbare out of South Carolina in the fifth round of April’s NFL Draft. However, they did part ways with All-Pro edge-rusher Za’Darius Smith, who is now a Viking. That was not the only edge-rusher they cut ties with. The team released outside linebacker Randy Ramsey Monday.
This news is significant because Ramsey had been a key special teams contributor for the each of the last few seasons before suffering a major ankle injury that cost him all of 2021. The injury effects are apparently still lingering for Ramsey, however, as he was held out of Friday’s preseason opener against the 49ers. The Packers also need to be down to 53 players by the time Week 1 of the NFL season rolls around. Preston Smith and Rashan Gary are very solid together (both recorded 9+ sacks in 2021). The emergence of Enagbare could be why Green Bay decided to close the door on Ramsey. The former Gamecock recorded a sack and a tackle for loss on Friday.
The Packers are no stranger to dealing with injuries at key positions. Last season, the team played almost the entire season without Za’Darius Smith, who was out with a back injury. Rashan Gary had his best season and Preston Smith had a strong bounce-back season. They will look to find production behind Smith and Gary in the form of Enagbare and backups in Tipa Galeai and La’Darius Hamilton. On paper, the Packers have elite defense when it comes to their starters. But depth could be a problem on the edge if injuries occur.
