Packers 2016 Recap: LB Nick Perry

2016 Stats

• 35 tackles, 11 sacks, 4 passes defensed, 1 INT
• Pro Football Focus: 82.2/100 (19th of 109 qualified edge defenders)

Expectations coming into the season: High
Expectations were: Exceeded

Analysis: Nick Perry is finally the Nick Perry we were waiting for

When the Packers drafted Nick Perry 28th overall in 2012, the hope was that he’d become an athletic, versatile pass rusher to complement Clay Matthews.

In 2016, they finally got it.

Coming off a playoff performance in which he dominated elite left tackle Trent Williams, Perry took his one year “prove it” deal quite literally, proving to the Packers that he’s well worth a long term extension. Finally healthy, Perry produced like he never has before, piling up 11 sacks despite little help from the other pass rushing linebackers on the roster.

With Matthews ailing for what seemed to be most of the year, Perry took over on the outside, pushing the pocket with punishing bull rushes while holding up well against the run, as he always has. Even playing with a heavy cast for most of the latter end of the season, Perry was effective, even providing a sack and a key deflected pass during the Packers’ divisional win over the Cowboys.

While he may price himself out of the Packers’ market, Perry proved his worth in 2016 and finally looked like the player they hoped he’d be all along.