GREEN BAY, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- The Green Bay Packers spent the valuable 12th pick in last year's draft on linebacker Rashan Gary. He didn't play much as a rookie. Gary figures to be on the field much more this season.

Even though Gary spent most of last season observing behind Za'Darius Smith and Preston smith, he felt he learned a lot.

“Just making sure my head’s right and knowing what I need to see," Gary said. "I feel like my second year in the system, I know the defense a lot better than me learning it last year. Everything’s feeling good.”

Gary spent the offseason working out at a Texas high school. He never wants his effort to be questioned.

"My mindset is to be great," he said. "I’ve got a lot of examples in front of me last year […] watching ‘P, watching ‘Z. I know what it takes. I know to be where I want to be, I’ve got to work hard.”

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur has noticed. 

"I tell you one thing you can never question is, how Rashan goes after it and his work ethic," LaFleur said. "He came back in phenomenal shape. I saw a lot of his videos he was posting all offseason. He’s always working. I think more than anything else, just being in year two of the system for him, it’s important that he continues to learn the details and understands exactly what he’s supposed to do on each and every play.”

Packers defensive coordinator Mike Pettine has said he expects Gary to be on the field more this season. That would be fine with Gary, who's hungry to make an impact.

“Everything I did in the offseason, coming up to this point, is about being the best me," he said. "Coming back and being an impact player. That’s what I want to be and that’s what I will be.”

Even though he appears sleeker, Gary said he hasn't lost weight. He just thinks he's growing into his 22-year-old body.