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Packers’ Lukas Van Ness will make a Lambeau leap into the NFL in 2023

By Tarringo Basile-Vaughan

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 19: Lukas Van Ness #90 of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field after the game against the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - AUGUST 19: Lukas Van Ness #90 of the Green Bay Packers walks off the field after the game against the New England Patriots during a preseason game at Lambeau Field on August 19, 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /
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Lukas Van Ness is looking to bring that pass rush power he had during his days at Iowa to the Green Bay Packers.

Selected with the No. 13 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Van Ness comes to Green Bay with high expectations, not only from the team, but from himself.

In understanding it will be a transition and a learning curve for any first-year rookie entering the NFL, the Iowa product has become more comfortable in an NFL system with each practice.

"“I feel a lot more comfortable,” Van Ness said after practicing this past week.  “Two weeks in the preseason, I think we got about 10-15 practices under my belt.  Every day is another opportunity to get a little more comfortable.  Learn the system.  Try some new plays out.  Just day to day.”"

Packers rookie Lukas Van Ness has the ability to make an impact in 2023

Coming off a final season at the University of Iowa which he terrorized opposing quarterbacks with 6.5 sacks in 13 games played, the 6-foot-5, 272-pound edge rush specialist comes to Green Bay with tremendous effort rushing the passer.

With a combination of power and the agility to track down more mobile quarterbacks, Van Ness will eventually become a nuisance in the Packers’ defense.  Again, there will be a learning curve for the rookie, but he has the talent to transition his dominance in college to the NFL level with room to grow.

During his days at Iowa, Lukas Van Ness started off as an interior defensive lineman who made the switch to the edge during his final season in the NFL.  That change in position is what increased his value in the draft and as he enters his career with the Green Bay Packers, he will grow even more.

"“Just been transitioning,” Van Ness continued. “Coming from Iowa where I have my hand in the ground and getting used to that two-point stance.“Just vision, and learning what’s coming,” He continued. “Having recognition. There’s different times you can get in that three point, but it’s just it different for me, getting comfortable, but more than anything, having vision, having an understanding of what you’re getting.”"

But, even as a high draft pick, Van Ness will have to earn his role in the Packers edge rush rotation.  With Rashan Gary, Preston Smith and second-year pass rusher JJ Enagbare ahead of him, Van Ness will be used on early downs because of his ability to play the run.

Eventually, as the season goes along, Lukas Van Ness will see more snaps in that edge rush role that will make him a quick favorite as Lambeau field.

Next. Dark Horse Defensive Rookie of the Year Contenders. dark

Speaking of Lambeau, the Packers rookie will make that leap into the NFL.  Who knows, maybe with a defensive touchdown he’ll make a real Lambeau leap into the stands.  But, during his rookie season, he’ll thrive once he becomes more comfortable with his role.

Rookie year projection: 42 tackles and 5.5 sacks with a fumble recovery.

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