Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst defended the rookie season of first-round pick Rashan Gary and expressed excitement about the young pass-rusher’s growth potential as a versatile player similar to Za’Darius Smith.

When a reporter claimed during a question that Gary didn’t contribute much in 2019, Gutekunst quickly offered a rebuttal.

“I disagree with that. I thought he contributed quite a bit,” Gutekunst said Friday. “He was behind two really, really good players. He didn’t see the normal amount of snap time from a first-round draft pick, but when he was in there, I thought he affected the game. His explosiveness off the edge was very evident and affected the passer when he was in there.”

Gary, the 12th overall pick, played in all 16 games but was on the field for just 244 total defensive snaps. He finished the regular season with two sacks and three quarterback hits.

Meanwhile, free agent additions Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith dominated playing time on the edges and combined for 25.5 sacks and 60 quarterback hits.

Gary is blessed with rare physical tools, but he required development coming out of Michigan as an edge rusher and faced a steep learning curve at a new position (from defensive end to 3-4 outside linebacker).

His best pro comparison might still be Cam Jordan, the New Orleans Saints’ defensive end. He had limited college production but also great size and an attractive skill set, and despite a slow start to his NFL career, Jordan developed over time into a dominant rusher. Patience was required.

The Packers hope Gary is headed down a similar path.

Having the Smiths in Green Bay allowed time for development without the pressure to play right away but also limited Gary’s opportunities to get on the field.

Soon, expectations will change. For now, Gary will head into his first professional offseason with another opportunity to improve and continue developing under outside linebackers coach Mike Smith.

“I’m excited for him,” Gutekunst said. “I think he has a great coach, and a couple of great players in front of him to learn from. I’m excited to see what he can do in Year 2.”

Jordan went from one sack and four quarterback hits during his rookie season to eight sacks and 13 quarterback hits in his second year.

Coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers need to find more ways of getting Gary on the field. His versatility will make that task easier as he develops.

Gutekunst envisions Gary growing into a role similar to Za’Darius Smith, who plays on the edge and all over the front in passing situations.

“A lot in Z’s role. I see him coming off the edge, moving inside and playing the three-technique, stand up over the center, he can do a lot of those things,” Gutekunst said. “Like Z when he was young, he’s growing into it. It’s like anything, you want him to master one thing before he moves on to the next.”