Green Bay Packers rookie edge rusher Lukas Van Ness has had a relatively quiet offseason. His athleticism and strength have flashed during some portions of training camp, but it is clear that his game needs some more refinement.
Adjusting to life in the NFL is certainly tough for every college player. The Packers are notorious for bringing along their draft picks slowly, and that seems like it will be the case with Van Ness as well.
Last season, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt played a situational role behind veterans Dean Lowry and Jarran Reed. This season, the Packers’ pass-rushing depth looks to be much deeper, so Van Ness won’t have to be pressed into extended playing time right off the bat.
That is likely a good thing for the Iowa product, who didn’t start a single game in his collegiate career with the Hawkeyes. He was a big part of their rotation, but it will take some time for him to adjust to what the Packers hope is eventually an every-down role as terror coming off the edge.
For now, Van Ness is just attempting to navigate the steep learning curve that exists. Now a few weeks into training camp, he is starting to feel more at home with the Packers as a professional football player.
“I feel a lot more comfortable,” said Van Ness after Tuesday’s practice. “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.”
There is a lot that Van Ness has to adjust to playing against top tier competition. His brute strength and athleticism won’t consistently enable him to win pass-rushing reps; he needs to develop a repertoire of go-to moves.
His responsibilities have also changed. With the Hawkeyes, he had his hand on the ground along the defensive line. With the Packers, he is a stand-up edge rusher first, with the potential to shift onto the defensive line should the need arise.
“Just been transitioning,” said Van Ness. “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,” added Van Ness. “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.”
The production has been sporadic thus far. Van Ness has been charted for 28 pass-rushing reps, which ranks sixth on the team. He has turned that into only two pressures, but he has been credited with two stops in the run game as well.
These are important reps for Van Ness as he continues honing his skill set. The potential and talent are easy to see; it is up to the Packers coaching staff to bring it out of him.
