2023 Round 1 Pick #13:Lukas Van Ness Edge

[Voyageur]

A new defensive line coach isn't going to make the difference between winning 5 games and 13 but they can have enough input to create better opportunities for players who have been misused in the past. In this case, we have a new coach who is energetic and pushes to get each player to reach inside to make something better of themselves.

From what I'm hearing; he reminds me of how Kevin Greene worked with our outside linebackers a few years back. Even though they won a Super Bowl with his help, his style, which was upbeat, was not exactly what Mike McCarthy wanted so there were times that his position was tenuous. This was one of the things I had against McCarthy. He had no fire on the inside and didn't show any forceful motivation to his players. After all, he was the idiot that said that his job wasn't to get players up for games, that was their own job.

 

[OldSchool101]

Saw an article earlier today that talked about how happy MLF, Gute and the Packers are with their new DL coach DeMarcus Covington. Let's hope we see the entire front 7 of the Packers have a much better season!

Packers' game-changing hire is already igniting a wave of breakout seasons

One of the Green Bay Packers' newest coaching hires has the organization excited about the upcoming 2025 season.

lombardiave.com

One would like to think the combination of
1. A full year of development across the majority of our DL
2. New coaching hire that specialized at DL and specifically a 4-3 alignment
3. Additions of Sorrell, Brinson or Stackhouse to offset TJ Slaton
4. A healthier version of Clark (Toe) and Van Ness (hand cast) who both played injured last season.
5. Second season in a 4-3 scheme

that these will contribute to either similar feel (2024) or up to an improved cumulative impact at DL.

 

[rmontro]

And some will tell you that coaching makes no difference, it's all about the players.
Well, this sounds like good news. I'd like to see it translate into real game action before I get too excited though.

 

[OldSchool101]

And some will tell you that coaching makes no difference, it's all about the players.
Well, this sounds like good news. I'd like to see it translate into real game action before I get too excited though.

I think that always the goal. You’ve got to translate on the field against the #1’s. I do like our size at DE’s
Gary 6’4” 280lb
Van Ness 6’5” 275lb.m
It’s no surprise that both our DE can push an average OT around pretty good. Van Ness will put you on skates if you’re not prepared.

 

[Magooch]

I just have to say, I am really excited for LVN's upcoming season.

In my estimation he has NOT been good for much of his time with us. In fact most of the time I would argue he has been downright BAD, especially considering the draft investment.

I don't know if the numbers totally bear it out, but for me this past week was probably his best game for us.

I am hoping - or trying to convince myself - that part of this is the Parsons-effect. Maybe he was going to take a step anyway, who knows.

The way I see it though...LVN is an absolute physical freak, basically a perfect "specimen" for the modern demands of his role BUT he has next to no "moves" or "bend," so far he's just never looked like he has any idea how to utilize his physical tools to his advantage.

Parsons on the other hand, in some ways he is almost like the opposite. he's basically got the body of a LB and so in a sense is "undersized" for his role. But he has insane "bend" or "wiggle," he's got the feet of a running back and plenty of moves to call upon.

You get a guy with the build of Van Ness with the "toolset" of Parsons, look out. He will never have the same raw speed as Parsons but if he can learn even a little bit of the moves, bend, etc, he might finally be the guy we thought we were getting.

 

[OldSchool101]

I just have to say, I am really excited for LVN's upcoming season.

In my estimation he has NOT been good for much of his time with us. In fact most of the time I would argue he has been downright BAD, especially considering the draft investment.

I don't know if the numbers totally bear it out, but for me this past week was probably his best game for us.

I am hoping - or trying to convince myself - that part of this is the Parsons-effect. Maybe he was going to take a step anyway, who knows.

The way I see it though...LVN is an absolute physical freak, basically a perfect "specimen" for the modern demands of his role BUT he has next to no "moves" or "bend," so far he's just never looked like he has any idea how to utilize his physical tools to his advantage.

Parsons on the other hand, in some ways he is almost like the opposite. he's basically got the body of a LB and so in a sense is "undersized" for his role. But he has insane "bend" or "wiggle," he's got the feet of a running back and plenty of moves to call upon.

You get a guy with the build of Van Ness with the "toolset" of Parsons, look out. He will never have the same raw speed as Parsons but if he can learn even a little bit of the moves, bend, etc, he might finally be the guy we thought we were getting.

Well iterated.
For me I really believe LVN was going to take at minimum a small step forward either way. He played better after Week 11 also and was a +contributor on a strong 2024 finish. Some doubters weren’t hearing me when I spoke of our game at Philly. It was 16-10 in the 4th Quarter and 3 points of Eagles points would’ve happened anyway. We spotted them the ball on the GB28 on play #1. What a gift. Without that mishap? It’s either 10-10 or 13-10 Eagles. At their home and deep into the game. Had our Offense had a little better OL depth and 1 more WR who could present a challenge? I think GB was = Philly. Guess what? We have that WR and we have that OL depth.

Enters Micah Parsons..

We now have arguably one of the Top 2 Pass Rushers in the NFL. He’s committed to helping Van Ness rise (his words not mine). I’m not sure what prompted Parsons to take on that Big Brother role, but he did mention he thought Lukas was a very humble kid (again his words) and he is taking him under his wing. I don’t think Parsons is nearly as bad as Dallas made him out to be. We are known by our fruit and until he demonstrates he has bad fruit it’s all rhetoric. Helping your internal competition group succeed shows self confidence and selflessness. That doesn’t sound like the actions of selfish person and if it is? Maybe he recognized some fault and he’s growing up.
I digress I’m trying yo do better staying on topic

 

[OldSchool101]

Lukas Van Ness was always a project. The Kid played 2 years at Iowa. Every scouting report had him highly productive in limited action. He was always going to take 1, maybe 2 years to develop his game.

Ok VAN Ness was a high draft section for a guy you likely miss maybe 2 years of high production. I’ll agree with that part, but at no time was he ever expected to hit stride year 1. Year 2 he broke his thumb and played with a cast until week 11? His hands were already an area he was trying to improve and this didn’t help his ascension. Now we’re seeing the work he put in for 2 seasons begin to blossom. There will still be games he disappears, but they’ll start to become the exception.

When Parsons came in everyone said he would make the players around him better. I don’t think it’s a secret that he requires extra attention from opposing Offenses. We all witnessed that theory grow Wings and fly.
Van Ness will partly be a benefactor of Micah. Yet he was likely a 6-8 Sacks guy in 2025 without Parsons imo.

 

[tynimiller]

LVN truly as raw as he was, surprised me with how many respectable games he gave us out the gate as a rookie IMO. I think many, even the scouts that also had him in their top 15 knew however the raw nature of what you were getting.

 

[Thirteen Below]

LVN truly as raw as he was, surprised me with how many respectable games he gave us out the gate as a rookie IMO. I think many, even the scouts that also had him in their top 15 knew however the raw nature of what you were getting.

He was only 21 when we drafted him, and IIRC, he only played 4 years of organized football at any level at that time. It was always going to take a while. But he looks to me as though he's finally reached his potential.

 

[Voyageur]

This is the year Lukas comes out to play with the big boys. I've been saying it right along. We now have 3 edge rushers who can also slide to the middle and create some extremely creative rushes that teams have to scheme against. Watching Parsons sliding to the middle against Detroit had to freak them out to a degree because I don' think they expected the Packers to throw a 3-man edge rusher capable defense out there to block. If I recall correctly, the first time the Packers did it, sliding Parsons to the middle, the Lions called a time-out. Hafely has the animals to create a 3-ring-circus in the pass rush and it's going to be interesting seeing just how well these guys respond to the innovation.

 

[milani]

A new defensive line coach isn't going to make the difference between winning 5 games and 13 but they can have enough input to create better opportunities for players who have been misused in the past. In this case, we have a new coach who is energetic and pushes to get each player to reach inside to make something better of themselves.

From what I'm hearing; he reminds me of how Kevin Greene worked with our outside linebackers a few years back. Even though they won a Super Bowl with his help, his style, which was upbeat, was not exactly what Mike McCarthy wanted so there were times that his position was tenuous. This was one of the things I had against McCarthy. He had no fire on the inside and didn't show any forceful motivation to his players. After all, he was the idiot that said that his job wasn't to get players up for games, that was their own job.

Exactly! " IT IS TIME! IT IS TIME!

 

[OldSchool101]

This is the year Lukas comes out to play with the big boys. I've been saying it right along. We now have 3 edge rushers who can also slide to the middle and create some extremely creative rushes that teams have to scheme against. Watching Parsons sliding to the middle against Detroit had to freak them out to a degree because I don' think they expected the Packers to throw a 3-man edge rusher capable defense out there to block. If I recall correctly, the first time the Packers did it, sliding Parsons to the middle, the Lions called a time-out. Hafely has the animals to create a 3-ring-circus in the pass rush and it's going to be interesting seeing just how well these guys respond to the innovation.

Yeah and on another play I’m thinking of they Doubled Parsons with 2 OL immediately. A 240lb man had 635lbs of man power dedicated to him alone. He’s an automatic double team inside.

 

[tynimiller]

Exactly! " IT IS TIME! IT IS TIME!

That quote seriously makes me choke up now every time. RIP Mr. Green

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

5th year option on LVN? Thoughts.

This is a tough one for me.

Case Against:

Right now, I just don't think he is playing at a level that is worth the projected price tag of $15M in 2027.

Case For:

LVN did play better in 2025, but still needs to develop further, will he? I think he will. Also, with Rashan Gary having 1 foot out the door due to his unperforming on a high salary, we get thinner at OLB/DE.

Packers 5th year option history is below:

Packers' fifth-year option history:

Derek Sherrod

Nick Perry

Datone Jones

Ha Ha Clinton-Dix

Damarious Randall (traded)

Kenny Clark

Jaire Alexander

Rashan Gary

Darnell Savage

Jordan Love

Eric Stokes

Quay Walker

Devonte Wyatt

Lukas Van Ness

 

[tynimiller]

Yes, without a doubt.

Main reasons for me:

Projection - This young man truly became one of our best in our entire front not named Parsons this year. Without a doubt he's our #3 maybe #2 best defender along our front if all are healthy (Parsons clear #1 and Wyatt the one he fights for #2).

Roster Timing - Parsons will miss time in 2026. Gary appears to be tip toeing along the cliff of his career from a production stance. Enagbare is a UFA and Cox/Sorrell both young but promising. Perfect storm timing that LVN has immense value.

Young But Experienced - He was an incredibly young prospect and still will be only 25 years old in 2026, this option keeps him here another year and IF he keeps progressing gives us a three to four year extension option with him still not even 30 by the time that ends...

Plays the run well - his strength and sound technique make him quite good against the run, which is something GB has struggled to do.



The only reason I think that exists to not do it is folks just mad that he isn't some all pro first round sack artist. Get it, you're not wrong - now moving on let's make a smart decision.

 

[Sanguine camper]

I agree that LVN has the leverage with no first round picks in 2026 and 2027. He did play better in 2025 than the previous two seasons. Even though I've expected more from a top 15 pick, he improved last year which is some cause for optimism even if he got hurt and his jump was modest.

Going into next year, is it reasonable to think there's rather significant jump in performance left in him or is he now close to his ceiling? Either way, he's holding the cards. Given the other roster needs, and the lack of draft picks, it makes sense to keep him for his fifth year.

 

[Heyjoe4]

This is the year Lukas comes out to play with the big boys. I've been saying it right along. We now have 3 edge rushers who can also slide to the middle and create some extremely creative rushes that teams have to scheme against. Watching Parsons sliding to the middle against Detroit had to freak them out to a degree because I don' think they expected the Packers to throw a 3-man edge rusher capable defense out there to block. If I recall correctly, the first time the Packers did it, sliding Parsons to the middle, the Lions called a time-out. Hafely has the animals to create a 3-ring-circus in the pass rush and it's going to be interesting seeing just how well these guys respond to the innovation.

LVN didn't stand out this past season. JAG. Just my opinion.

He was only 21 when we drafted him, and IIRC, he only played 4 years of organized football at any level at that time. It was always going to take a while. But he looks to me as though he's finally reached his potential.

With the season over, did you see something else V? He still has very stiff hips and little to no bend. But I don't know his stats on the season. Gluten spent a #12 pick on him. I expected more production - meaning pressures and sacks. But again, I haven't seen his stats for the season.

Hoping his third season is the charm.

 

[Heyjoe4]

I agree that LVN has the leverage with no first round picks in 2026 and 2027. He did play better in 2025 than the previous two seasons. Even though I've expected more from a top 15 pick, he improved last year which is some cause for optimism even if he got hurt and his jump was modest.

Going into next year, is it reasonable to think there's rather significant jump in performance left in him or is he now close to his ceiling? Either way, he's holding the cards. Given the other roster needs, and the lack of draft picks, it makes sense to keep him for his fifth year.

Was this past season his third?

 

[tynimiller]

Sorry but unless JAG means something quite different to you than me - LVN is far from just a JAG

 

[Sanguine camper]

Was this past season his third?

Yes.

 

[Sanguine camper]

Sorry but unless JAG means something quite different to you than me - LVN is far from just a JAG

What does JAG mean? I think "Just Another Guy" implies that a player is average. Most anybody else could show a similar productivity.

With LVN, who do you compare him to in order to judge whether he's below, at, or above average? His peers in the first round? The other 64 starting outside pass rushers?

Another way to judge him would be to compare team stats with and without him. It would be easy to show Parsons' impact that way.

To me, whether LVN is a JAG isn't the right question. I think it would be charitable to call him average so far but its his potential that's the key issue. One thing is quite certain. We won't be having this discussion next year. Season 4 for LVN will make or break him. If he plays well, he'll be kept around for season 5. If he can't up his game, he'll likely wash out and be gone after his rookie deal is done.

 

[Magooch]

Somewhat surprising to me, PFF had LVN grading out for 2025 as 27th out of 115 qualified EDGE players

 

[Pokerbrat2000]

We won't be having this discussion next year. Season 4 for LVN will make or break him. If he plays well, he'll be kept around for season 5. If he can't up his game, he'll likely wash out and be gone after his rookie deal is done.

The question is...."Will the Packers pick up his 5th year option?" Something that the Packers will need to decide by this May, before seeing what he does in his 4th season. If they do, they are locked into paying him an estimated $15M....no matter what he does in 2026.

 

[tynimiller]

Somewhat surprising to me, PFF had LVN grading out for 2025 as 27th out of 115 qualified EDGE players

Shocked to see a JAG that high lol

 

[OldSchool101]

I think we need to remember LVN missed a ton of time. If I remember he only played over 35% snaps in 6 games. He either played sparingly, was injured or missed the other 11 games. His more typical snap count on Defense is around 50%+