Another member of the Green Bay Packers’ 2023 draft class is projected to break out in a big way during the 2024 season.
Like receiver Jayden Reed on offense, defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness was selected by NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks on the defensive version of his 2024 All-Breakout Team.
Brooks believes Van Ness, the 13th overall pick in the 2023 draft, could emerge as a legitimate difference maker in Year 2, especially in a new defense.
From Brooks: “Jeff Hafley’s arrival as the Packers’ new defensive coordinator could unlock Van Ness’ dynamic talents. A freakish athlete with natural pass-rush skills, the second-year pro could emerge as one of the NFC’s top edges if he takes the next step as a playmaker after finishing his rookie season with a bang. Van Ness tallied five sacks and 15 pressures, per Pro Football Focus, from Week 12 through the playoffs, displaying intriguing potential as a relentless pursuer. With Hafley implementing a ‘see ball, get ball’ approach that creates splash plays, this 2023 first-rounder could flourish as a difference-maker.”
A rotational player as a rookie, Van Ness produced 4.0 sacks, 10 quarterback hits, eight tackles for loss and one pass breakup over 365 snaps and 17 games during the regular season. He added another sack during the postseason.
While the Packers return veterans Preston Smith and Rashan Gary on the edge, Van Ness will almost certainly play more snaps and get more pass-rushing opportunities in Year 2. In Hafley’s new scheme, he could see snaps at defensive end and even inside, given his usage as a versatile inside-outside rusher while in the 4-3 defensive front at Iowa.
Can Van Ness take a big step as a second-year player? Remember, Gary went from 15 pressures as a rookie to 39 in Year 2 while almost doubling his snaps, but he didn’t become a full-time player until Year 3. If everyone is healthy this season, Van Ness might only play 500 or so snaps.
While a big season is certainly possible, it wouldn’t be surprising if Van Ness became a more efficient rusher in a still limited role in 2024 before truly breaking out in a big way as a true starter opposite Gary in 2025.