When the Green Bay Packers selected Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, they knew they were drafting an elite athlete who would need time to reach his full potential in the pros. But now, Van Ness is gunning for a second-year jump after a productive rookie season which saw him see limited action as a rotational piece in the Green Bay defense.
Packers DE Lukas Van Ness Gunning for a Second Year Jump: Promise Shown as a Rookie
Van Ness never started a game during his time at Iowa. He played more snaps than the players who started games, but the Hawkeyes emphasized starting players in their senior year and so Van Ness never managed to start a game. He played both interior defensive line and defensive end during his college career. His size and elite athleticism earned him the nickname, “Hercules.”
The Packers already had Rashan Gary and Preston Smith at edge rusher when they selected Van Ness. They knew the rookie would not only be adjusting to life in the NFL but would also have to get used to playing outside linebacker instead of starting in a three-point stance along the line.
The plan was to bring Van Ness along gradually and have him play as part of the rotation along with Kingsley Enagbare. They had a similar idea with Gary when they drafted him in 2019.
In his rookie season, Van Ness played 33 percent of the snaps in all 17 regular season games. He recorded four sacks and eight tackles for loss during the regular season before adding another sack and one tackle for loss in the playoffs.
Van Ness On His Rookie Season
Van Ness’ productivity picked up later in the season. He noticed the improvement he made later in his rookie campaign. “It’s hard to put into words,” Van Ness explained after the season ended. “Not even as a player, as a person I’ve matured so much, really grown up. I’m light years ahead of where I was.”
He admitted he learned a lot, but it took time. “In a transition like I had coming from Iowa and playing like interior D-line. [I had to learn] a lot of different techniques to come into Green Bay and change up my technique and learning a different defense. I had a lot of hurdles to get over,” Van Ness explained.
Packers DE Lukas Van Ness Gunning for a Second Year Jump: The Early Returns in Year Two
Van Ness has gotten off to a good start in training camp this year, his second in the NFL. The Packers have changed to a four-man front under new defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley. That means Van Ness is back to playing defensive end and starting plays with his hand on the ground as a lineman.
The return to the line has gone well for Van Ness. He recorded a sack and three tackles for loss in the first preseason game, a 23-10 win over the Cleveland Browns.
After the game, Packers head coach Matt LaFleur explained why he played Van Ness extensively in the first preseason game. “He’s a guy that didn’t get a ton of reps in college,” he said. “To be honest with you, I don’t even know if he started at Iowa. So, I think every rep is so valuable for him. Just the more playing time, that’s why we played him a little bit longer, just to get him more game action. He’ll be a guy that I would anticipate playing in the next game as well.”
During OTAs, LaFleur admitted he expected more from the Iowa alum in 2024. “I’m excited about Lukas, and I think a lot of times you see a lot of those guys that are pass-rushers take a huge jump from year one to year two,” LaFleur explained. “So, he’s a guy that’s put in a ton of work. I think his body looks great. He’s somebody that we’re certainly excited about.”
Now it’s up to Van Ness to continue to lift his game and to earn a bigger role in the defense. If he keeps working and improving, his future should be bright.
Follow Gil Martin on Twitter @GilPackers
Click here for more great Packers coverage
