The Green Bay Packers are experimenting with the idea of using third-year edge rusher Lukas Van Ness as an interior rusher in some obvious passing situations in 2025.
Van Ness, a first-round pick from the 2023 draft, got reps inside as a rusher during Tuesday’s team periods at OTAs, and coach Matt LaFleur said the Packers could use Van Ness there at specific times during the regular season.
“I think, situationally, you can do that (play Van Ness inside),” LaFleur said. “In known passing situations there’s some thought around that. A lot of it is going to be dependent upon everyone else as well. Lukas has shown a lot of growth. I’m excited to see him once we get pads on.”
According to PFF’s tracking data, Van Ness played only 20 total snaps as an interior player during the 2024 season and just three as a rookie in 2023. But the former Iowa Hawkeye isn’t lacking experience inside — Van Ness was used primarily as an interior rusher during his first collegiate season before moving to the edge in 2022. Weighing over 270 pounds and an elite athlete for his size, Van Ness is physically capable of lining up inside and rushing the quarterback when the defense is certain a passing situation is coming.
His combination of quickness and power could be overwhelming for centers and guards, especially if Van Ness is playing next to pass-rushers Rashan Gary and Devonte Wyatt in a four-man front.
When asked where Van Ness has grown the most entering Year 3, LaFleur pointed to confidence.
“A difference confidence level with him,” LaFleur said.
Van Ness is entering a pivotal season after producing only 3.0 sacks, six tackles for loss, 20 pressures and six quarterback hits as a second-year player in 2024. His production went down in every category compared to his rookie season despite playing more snaps.
It’s possible more versatile usage could help unlock Van Ness as a disruptor. And a new defensive line coach might help, too.
Under Demarcus Covington, the Packers are prioritizing getting off the ball faster and harder, and LaFleur sees Van Ness and the rest of the defensive line group embracing the challenge.
“Those guys have taken to coaching, embraced it, and really worked at it,” LaFleur said.
This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers experimenting with Lukas Van Ness as an interior pass-rusher
Reporting by Zach Kruse, Packers Wire / Packers Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
