The Green Bay Packers have pinned their pass-rush hopes on Lukas Van Ness finally living up to first-round expectations. One padded practice into training camp, and there's hope.
It's a make-or-break third season for Van Ness, who has failed to get out of first gear since arriving in Green Bay two years ago. He hasn't started a game since high school. But that's all about to change, and Van Ness is showing early signs that the Packers' patience may finally pay off.
"Van Ness was impactful all day, especially against the run. On the second play of the day, he stopped (Josh) Jacobs at the line," Bill Huber of Sports Illustrated reported from Monday's practice.
He also made plays in passing situations, with Wes Hodkiewicz of the Packers' official website noting that Van Ness beat left tackle Rasheed Walker with a "wicked spin move."
The 13th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft still has everything to prove, but it's an encouraging update from the Packers' first padded practice. It's now about stacking success and proving why he's ready to start alongside Rashan Gary.
Lukas Van Ness breakout would change everything for the Packers' defense
Defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley had to find creative ways to generate pressure last season. The Packers rarely won with four. GM Brian Gutekunst responded by doing very little to upgrade the pass rush in the offseason, showing faith in the current group to develop and improve.
Van Ness is at the center of it. He could dramatically transform this defense with a breakout third season, giving the Packers the consistent pass-rusher to pair with Gary that they desperately need.
Great defenses win with waves of pressure. The Packers had precious little of that last season, hurting them against the NFC's most explosive offenses.
That must change. Gary has to show more consistency to build on his first Pro Bowl campaign, but he can't do it alone. Green Bay added Day 3 rookies Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver, but it's unfair to place high expectations on their shoulders in Year 1.
It's time for Van Ness to step up and become the first-rounder the Packers need him to be.
We can't draw any real conclusions until the real football begins, and especially not from one padded practice. But we'll take it. It's a start, and Van Ness has something to build on.
Hopefully, this is the launching pad to stardom the Packers desperately need.