The Green Bay Packers seem to be following a familiar draft strategy in 2023, similar to their 2019 approach by selecting a raw, developmental edge rusher early in the first round.
Back in 2019, Rashan Gary was drafted to learn behind veterans Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. Gary didn’t secure a starting role until his third season when Za’Darius was sidelined with a back injury, and he only became a preferred starter in his fourth year, the last of his rookie contract.
In 2023, the Packers drafted Lukas Van Ness, who, as a rookie, finds himself behind Gary, Preston Smith, and even former fifth-round pick Kingsley Enagbare in the rotation. While Van Ness was expected to advance in his second season, that hasn’t materialized.
Now, with the Packers trading Preston Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers, Van Ness’s development becomes even more crucial for Green Bay.
This season, Van Ness is currently fourth in defensive snaps (41.02%) among the edge rushers, trailing Gary (64.26%), Preston Smith (54.23%), and Enagbare (42.78%). With Preston Smith out, Enagbare might become the starter, at least for the coming games. However, if the Packers want a high-impact edge rusher, they need Van Ness to step up.
General manager Brian Gutekunst emphasized the importance of this after the trade deadline: “We need more from those guys as we move forward into the second half of the season,” he said. Gutekunst praised the edge rusher group’s work ethic but noted that increased playing time could boost development. Enagbare has been more effective so far, with 10 pressures and 1.5 sacks, compared to six pressures and one sack for Van Ness.
Van Ness’s performance has also lagged in PFF ratings, with lower grades in both pass rush (53.0 vs. 60.4) and run defense (50.4 vs. 68.1) compared to Enagbare.
Their different playing styles could be a factor here, as Enagbare’s lighter frame (258 lbs) has adapted better to Jeff Hafley’s scheme, while Van Ness’s larger build (272 lbs) presents challenges.
Despite his effort, Van Ness has struggled to make impactful plays quickly, and his limited experience at just 23 means he still has time to develop, though the Packers are eager to see results soon.
Gutekunst acknowledged that teams evolve each year and that improvement is crucial throughout the season. Reflecting on past years, he expressed confidence in head coach Matt LaFleur’s ability to elevate team performance over the season, aiming to play their best football down the stretch.
For the Packers, getting production from their first-round picks like Van Ness is essential to gain value from rookie contracts, something that took time with Gary.
For Van Ness, this challenge could define his career—a huge responsibility, but also a significant opportunity.
