Pundits and analysts emphasize the Green Bay Packers’ preference for versatile players, which undoubtedly comes up at the negotiating table. That preference is especially notable in the offensive line, but the Packers have also tinkered with different front.
Lukas Van Ness took some reps on the interior of the defensive line during workouts, which is a good sign that the Packers are exploring that path.
Van Ness is at the top of the list of Packers players who must deliver in 2025. He’s entering his third year in the league after being the No. 13-overall pick in 2023. The first two seasons left a lot to be desired.
During Tuesday’s organized team activities, reporters noted that Van Ness took some reps inside. Following practice, they asked head coach Matt LaFleur about it, and he talked about how splitting time inside and outside might help unlock Van Ness.
Yeah, I think situationally you can do that. I think in known passing situations there’s some thought around that. A lot of it’s gonna be dependent on everybody else, as well. Lukas has shown a lot of growth and I’m excited to see him once we get pads on, and really all those guys how they compete.
While it’s uncertain whether Van Ness can dominate as an edge rusher, trying out other spots on the field is a terrific way to assess his greatest value.
Just look at Jordan Morgan.
Morgan was Green Bay’s first-round pick in 2024. A left tackle at Arizona, Morgan will compete with Rasheed Walker for the starting gig at LT this summer. However, they sprinkled Morgan into the lineup at right guard last year to spell Sean Rhyan. Green Bay used a premium pick on Morgan and wanted to mix and match different options to see what came of it. The Packers can do the same with Van Ness, another first-round pick.
It’s possible that, given even more opportunity coupled with being in the second year of Jeff Hafley’s system, could help elevate Van Ness to a level we haven’t yet seen. Don’t forget about DeMarcus Covington, who they hired as the defensive line coach earlier in the offseason; he could be another factor in Van Ness’ evolution.
If that doesn’t work out and Van Ness doesn’t flourish or find consistency on the edge, it’d be wise to exhaust every option, given that he was a first-round selection.
For what it’s worth, when talking with reporters on Tuesday, Van Ness mentioned a broken thumb as a reason for his lack of consistency in 2024.
Last year I had a broken thumb all of OTAs. … I wore a full cast all the way until about Week 10 or 11, I’m not exactly sure, and then had lingering issues. So I wore it most of the season which is kind of why I was limited to playing on just the right side of the defensive line. So I’m excited to get back, kind of have the ability to go play on both sides again.
The thumb injury clearly impacted Van Ness. To what degree is something that only he can answer.
Entering this round of OTAs at full health, the bar was already going to be raised for Van Ness to step up in Year 3. And it sounds like he’s perfectly aware of the situation:
This is my first time to kind of get this slow tempo, foundation period just to kind of work on the basics. I’ve really learned a lot of the last couple of weeks.
If Van Ness delivers and molds into a strong piece on the edge, this defense becomes more dangerous. If it’s another year of high expectations leading to disappointment and inconsistency, Green Bay should flirt with kicking Van Ness inside a little more in certain situations.
When you take a versatile player like Van Ness in the first round, who almost exclusively played inside his first year in college at Iowa before kicking to the outside, you have a responsibility to try multiple solutions if he struggles in his development.
Many Packers fans are hesitant to buy Van Ness stock despite Brian Gutekunst’s offseason raves about his prospects in Year 3. Admittedly, the first two seasons haven’t left room for a lot of optimism.
If a healthy Van Ness in the second year of Hafley’s system has the lightbulb go off, great. If he doesn’t, having him get reps now on the inside could pay off in the long run.