The Green Bay Packers have already had an interesting offseason, headlined by the release of star cornerback Jaire Alexander. But while one major piece is out, another could eventually be added.
An area of potential concern for the Packers—aside from replacing Alexander—is bolstering their pass rush.
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Green Bay finished last season ranked eighth in total sacks (45) and 14th in quarterback pressures (143). As of now, the team is leaning on last year’s sack leader Rashan Gary and former first-round pick Lukas Van Ness off the edge, with rookie Barryn Sorrell hoping to contribute.
But entering his third season in Green Bay, CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin believes Van Ness is trending toward bust status.
While Benjamin acknowledges Van Ness could still turn things around under second-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the fact that head coach Matt LaFleur is “toying with his position” speaks volumes.
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“Van Ness felt destined for the Green Bay Packers even before he landed in Lambeau, coming out of Iowa with a background in hockey, but he’s been more of an intriguing Midwestern story than a difference-making pass rusher so far,” Benjamin wrote. “Nicknamed ‘Hercules’ in college, he’s yet to make his first official NFL start, managing seven total sacks since 2023 as part of the club’s edge rotation. Coach Matt LaFleur indicated this summer Van Ness could also be deployed as an interior defender to help spark his impact.”
In his two NFL seasons, Van Ness has recorded seven sacks, 16 quarterback hits, 14 tackles for loss, one pass deflection and one forced fumble. But the Packers are clearly looking for more from the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
For most of his career, Van Ness has lined up as a defensive end. At this point, the Packers are trying to find some return on their investment in the former Iowa Hawkeyes standout. Given the current structure of Green Bay’s defensive front, this season will be a pivotal one for Van Ness.
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