Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; South Carolina defensive lineman Kingsley Enagbare (DL29) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Packers LB Kingsley Enagbare ranks first among rookie edge rushers in preseason

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By James Pompey | Last updated 8/30/22

Early in the preseason the Green Bay Packers had some spots to fill at OLB. They already have Preston Smith and Rashan Gary as starters. There are some new names on the rise that could be second and third options including Jonathan Garvin, Tipa Galeai, La’Darius Hamilton, Kobe Jones and Kingsley Enagbare.

Each player has had some time at the position, leaving some young guys either limited in play or injured. Based on those factors, the next man up could very well be the rookie out of South Carolina.

Kingsley Enagbare

Enagbare was picked 179th overall in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft by the Packers. In 2021 at South Carolina, he started in every game (12). Totaling 44 tackles (29 solo), seven tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a senior. Those numbers might not jump out. But he has a lot of potential and could be on the roster for Green Bay this season.

The rookie led all edge rushers in total hurries and win percentage compared to other young NFL players at the same position in three preseason games.

Kingsley Enagbare

2022 Rookie Edge Rushers

Total Hurries: 8 (1st)
Win %: 16.4 (1st)
— Jacob Morley (@JacobMorley) August 28, 2022

In the three preseason games, Enagbare had only one sack, which came at Kansas City.

The Packers Have Options

The Packers do have options on who to place in the other spots on the roster. Enagbare can definitely earn his spot based on his play during the preseason. He does still need time to prove himself going up against tougher competition in practice leading up to Week 1.

Some think that he could be at the No. 3 spot rotating in and out with the veterans. More reps will show the coaches who deserves to be in that rotation.

Could Kingsley Enagbare be the next stud at OLB for the Packers?

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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