There was some high hopes for Lukas Van Ness heading into last season.
Van Ness finished the season with four total sacks his rookie season.
He showed flashes at times and offering some promise for what might lie ahead for him.
Instead though it looked like Van Ness took a step back in 2024.
Statistically his stats were down from his rookie season.
He only had 3 sacks and had a 53.5 PFF grade according to Pro Football focus.
That is the worst any edge rusher drafted in the top 16 picks since 2016.
But should there be any panic for the former first round pick?
The short answer is no.
But for Lukas Van Ness, he will need a big season in year three to show the Packers they made a good investment with the 13th pick in 2023.
High hopes in year three
Could part of the regression from his rookie year to year two be in part to switching from the 3-4 to the 4-3?
It could be very much so.
There are positives to look at when it comes to Van Ness’ stats in 2024.
As a pass rusher, Van Ness improved his PFF grade from 58.5 to 64.7.
He also upped his quarterback pressures to 23 in 2024.
Furthermore his pass rush win rate improved from 6.9% as a rookie to 9.5% in his second year.
So while there were some statistics that make you concerned about Van Ness’ performance in his first two years, the improvement is still shows in some of his stats.
Playing time
After the Packers traded Preston Smith, it opened the door for Lukas Van Ness to have more playing time.
But for Van Ness he didn’t really take advantage of that time as the Packers seem to use a rotation of DE’s.
The good news is that Van Ness is in year three and in year two of the 4-3 scheme.
He will have to have a big training camp to earn the starting DE position opposite Rashan Gary.
With a new defensive line coach as well, Van Ness might be able to make a year three jump.
Conclusion
Van Ness still has the tools and freakish athleticism to play on the line.
He just needs to put those abilities into play.
Van Ness is still young and still has a chance to prove himself with the Packers.
We saw some flashes in his rookie season and while his second season wasn’t the best, there is still time for him.
If Lukas Van Ness can have a big training camp and win the start DE job opposite Rashan Gary, that will be the first step in the year three jump.
The rest is up to Van Ness and how his 2025 season will go.
