GREEN BAY – During media interactions at both the combine and league assemblies this offseason, General Manager Brian Gutekunst shared his confidence in the Packers’ pass rush capabilities, contingent on anticipated advancements. While the initial statement was encouraging for Lukas Van Ness, it’s the latter expectation that the former first-round draft pick and defensive lineman is concentrating on.

Progress is anticipated, and he intends to deliver. “Looking ahead to the season, this is undoubtedly the most important one since it’s the next one we’re facing,” Van Ness stated Tuesday before setting off on the Packers Tailgate Tour. “This is my career. I am passionate about playing football. Each day, my objective is to come to work, exert maximum effort, and eventually showcase the best performance on Sundays.”

This has been inconsistent in Van Ness’s early career. Despite experiencing effective periods — including accumulating four sacks over a seven-game streak that extended through the initial playoff round as a rookie, followed by consecutive games with sacks last November — his overall stats over two seasons haven’t quite matched his No. 13 overall draft selection in 2023. In 37 total games, counting playoffs, he’s registered eight sacks and 17 quarterback hits as a part-time player.

He has participated in roughly 30-40% of the defensive plays over his two seasons. He hopes to truly find his footing in 2025. As a rookie, he had to adapt from a hand-in-the-ground defensive lineman to a standing edge rusher, before switching back last year when new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley introduced his 4-3 scheme. Notably, Van Ness has never cited these challenges as reasons for his production, reflecting his self-imposed standards are as high, if not higher, than any external ones. “Ultimately, it’s part of the sport,” he remarked about the changes.

“It’s merely a circumstance. At the end of the day, I must continue to make those strides and evolve as a player. Those are just hurdles I’ve had to overcome.” Now, another transition awaits him, likely a favorable one. DeMarcus Covington has been appointed as the Packers’ new defensive line coach to foster more stability in the defense’s pass rush. So far, Van Ness has only had an opportunity to introduce himself to Covington and briefly discuss objectives. He described his new coach as “very approachable” and is eager for what lies ahead.

This offseason, Van Ness has been training in California and believes he’s in peak physical condition. The Tailgate Tour will be a refreshing pause from the workout routine as he travels to connect with fans across the state. Once he returns, it won’t be long before the Packers formally commence their offseason regimen, coinciding with the draft. While edge rushers are certainly within Gutekunst’s focus, he believes the investments in the defensive line in recent years — first-round pick Devonte Wyatt and fifth-rounder Kingsley Enagbare in ’22, alongside Van Ness, fourth-rounder Colby Wooden, and sixth-rounder Karl Brooks in ’23 — should begin to realize their potential.

“I think we can accomplish everything we need with our current roster,” Gutekunst mentioned at the league meetings last week. “I believe there’s substantial room for growth for these players, not only in the second year of a scheme but also individually. I’m eager to witness the development these players will undergo.” Starting with Van Ness, who shares this collective optimism. “Whether we draft two players or none, I believe we’re all going to come to work daily, compete for our positions, and work diligently,” Van Ness expressed. “I appreciate the teammates we have in our group.”