Lukas Van Ness, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, made a promising debut in his season-opening game with the Green Bay Packers. Over his college career, Van Ness picked up the nickname “Hercules.” He played 54% of the defensive snaps and made his mark, establishing himself as a player with great upside. He finished with three pressures and one sack, all while playing a limited role. His contribution was crucial in the Packers’ win.
Micah Parsons, a former linebacker himself and current star of the Dallas Cowboys, voiced confidence about Van Ness’s development. Parsons tallied 45% of the defensive snaps in his last contest. He’s convinced that Van Ness is poised to have his most impactful season. Perhaps more importantly, he admitted that Van Ness’s playtime would be situational. Parsons is getting ready to take on that role full-time in the near future.
In his second game of the regular season, Van Ness made his first appearance as a starter. He displayed great versatility by constantly moving inside to play defensive tackle. His flexibility enabled him to even join forces with brother-in-sack Rashan Gary, as the two tag teamed for a sack against the Commanders. Van Ness had a huge impact on the ‘D’ by dropping into coverage. This tactical shift freed up rookie linebacker Quay Walker to kill the QB on one snap.
Van Ness’ most memorable stop came against running back Jahmyr Gibbs. He blew up an RB screen, causing it to lose two yards on third down. Prior to this year, Van Ness had never recorded more than seven sacks in 34 collegiate appearances. He showed significant signs of growth in his most recent outing.
“I know what I’m capable of, and I think I showed a little bit of that today,” said Van Ness after the game. Whatever the case, his strong play is a positive sign that he’s meeting Parsons’s high standards as he continues to both develop and grow into the league.
Parsons communicated his deep conviction that Van Ness could be something special. The athleticism made him special, he compared him to NFL legends Cameron Wake and Julius Peppers. “I believe in him,” Parsons stated. “I told him, I said, ‘I think you can be like a Cameron Wake, [or] you could be like a Julius Peppers. You’re a 4.5 [40-yard dash] guy, and it’s time for you to show it.’ And we’re going to put it together. We’re going to keep working out together … and I’m excited to see how that turns out for him.
As the season moves along, expect both Van Ness and Parsons to continue to improve their games on the gridiron. That chemistry and communication between them may be critical for the future of the Packers’ defensive scheme. Under Parsons’s guidance and mentorship, Van Ness seems poised to take his considerable talent up a level or three.
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