The Green Bay Packers have built a reputation for drafting defensive talent in the first round, with eight of their last 10 picks being on the defensive side of the ball. In 2019 the Packers selected Rashan Gary out of Michigan with the 12th pick in the draft, after just two seasons Gary became the team sack leader and was re-signed to a high-value contract as a franchise cornerstone edge rusher.
Four years later (2023), the Green Bay Packers selected another edge rusher from the north one selection behind Gary at no.13. In his first season as a Packer Lukas Van Ness took no time to show flashes of his impressive athletic tools, recording his first sack chasing down the elusive Justin Fields in the very first game of the season. As the season progressed it took Van Ness time to bring his traits together into a package, though after week 12 of the regular season, Lukas Van Ness recorded 18 tackles, seven quarterback hits, and four sacks in his final eight games.
After an impressive ending to his rookie year, Lukas Van Ness looks to improve under the new Jeff Hafley regime. According to many, he is primed to step into a bigger role as he gets another offseason under his belt.
Green Bay Packers Lukas Van Ness Primed For Breakout According To Rashan Gary
After a promising start to his young career, Lukas Van Ness is a part of a year two group that is expected to take a big jump. According to the Green Bay Packers’ ace edge rusher Rashan Gary, Van Ness should be a fun part of the defense in 2024-25.
“He’s not even scratching the surface, man. He’s just starting,” Gary said. “The player he was coming in, from rookie minicamp to the guy he’s leaving now to have an offseason to work on his game, is completely different.
“I know it’s going to be a big jump next year because he has the same type of work ethic as me and he’s hungry for everything he has in front of him … He understands what he needs to work on, and I know he’s going to get better at it. I just can’t wait to see him tear it up next year.”
Lukas Van Ness talked about his frustrations with his personal production with Rashan Gary and said he got a lot of value out of talking with Gary. This checks out, as Gary was in a similar situation just a few years prior, with only two sacks in his rookie season with the Packers.
“I was hard on myself just not producing and getting it as fast as I wanted to, (but) I got R.G., who went through it before and was able to talk through that and explain that there’s a learning curve to it,” Van Ness said. “He’s been a great mentor, obviously great lockermate right here next to me. He’s really helped me get through that process to develop my mind and really take a lot of that pressure.”
Lukas Van Ness has no reason to be doubted going into next season, the 6’5 275 pound edge rusher has the build, tools, and athleticism to be a dangerous force in the trenches of the NFL, given that he can put it all together on the field. As Packers Reporter Wes Hodkiewicz put well-
“The Packers’ defense is embarking on a major change this upcoming season, with former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley taking over as coordinator. While much isn’t known about the scheme Hafley plans to run, he has a major piece to build around in Van Ness.”
