A earlier first round of Green Bay Packers could hold a slightly different role in the new NFL season than before. Head Coach Matt Lafleur now indicated this itself.
So far, Lukas van Ness was almost exclusively active as Edge Rusher at the Green Bay Packers. The 13th pick in the DRAFT 2023 has so far been a existence as an occasional pass-rusher and, despite 34 missions, has not yet recorded a single start in the regular season in two years.
It is not yet clear whether the latter changes, but it could soon be more present and sought-after in pass-rush situations, because as local reporters noticed, van Ness has been more common in the training sessions of the packers in the past few days, played more than a defensive tackle than more 3-technology instead of acting on the EDGE.
When asked about this, Lafleur then told reporters: “Yes, I think that you can do it situational.” Lafleur continued: “I think there are some considerations in obvious passport situations. A lot of it will also depend on everyone else. Lukas has shown a strong development and I am excited to see it as soon as we put on the pads – and actually I’m excited about all the boys and how they accept the competition.”
Photo: © Imago/Brandon Sloter/Icon Sportswire
Starter job not guaranteed for Van Ness
In his two seasons to date, van Ness brought it to 42 pressures and seven sacks in the NFL and could now become a starter opposite by Rashan Gary. His biggest competitor for this job is Meanwhile, Kingsley, who has moved into the starting line -up in the past season, after Preston Smith had been traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Packers brought it to 8th place in the NFL with 45 sacks in 2025 and have very good inside-rush with the regular starters on defensive Tackle, Kenny Clark and Devonte Wyatt, who have collected 19 sacks together in the past two seasons. Van Ness, however, can be a Mismatch on the inside with its 1.96 meters and a weight of just 123 kilograms. It is therefore larger and faster than the conventional tackles, which can be an advantage in 3rd & long situations.