3 biggest battles heading into Packers 2023 training camp

Lukas Van Ness vs. the field

At edge rusher, the Packers have one of the best problems any franchise can have.

They arguably have four players who will each want ample playing time at the position, meaning Joe Barry may have to rotate this group quite a bit in order to make the most of its talent.

The clear leader of the room is Rashan Gary, who has developed into an elite outside linebacker. Currently recovering from a torn ACL, Gary's timetable isn't concrete, though a Week 1 return hasn't been ruled out either.

Beyond Gary, veteran Preston Smith, up-and-comer Kingsley Enagbare and the 13th overall pick in this year's draft, Lukas Van Ness, are all in line for large snap counts.

Where Van Ness falls on the depth chart is perhaps the biggest unknown heading into training camp.

Regarded as someone who can play the run in addition to attacking the quarterback, the former Iowa Hawkeye will need to jump off the page quickly in order to truly reduce Smith's role.

At 30 years old, Smith is still going strong. He recorded 8.5 sacks and a career-best 59 tackles during the 2022 season.

He's certainly worthy of a starting spot, so the question becomes whether or not the rookie will be excellent from the jump. If he is, Smith's long-term future in Titletown may become murkier.

Additionally, Enagbare shouldn't be written off either despite Van Ness garnering more fanfare.

A fifth-round selection in 2022, Enagbare totaled three sacks on 12 pressures, as well as three pass deflections, during his rookie year. A large chunk of his production came after Gary's injury.

While Van Ness is expected to play more, Enagbare's extra year of pro experience could help him earn more time.

Overall, this unit is arguably the best the Packers have to offer. Therefore, Van Ness is the X-factor.

If he takes time to acclimate, the organization shouldn't panic right away due to the depth in place.

But if he quickly becomes an impact performer, Lambeau Field will soon become a very unsafe work environment for opposing quarterbacks.

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