The hype surrounding Green Bay Packers’ rookie defensive end Lukas Van Ness was palpable entering the preseason. After all, he was a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for a reason. And in the team’s opening exhibition game against the Cleveland Browns, Van Ness didn’t just meet those lofty expectations, he shattered them.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) crowned Van Ness the game’s standout performer, emphasizing his undeniable impact on the field. Sharing snaps with seasoned starters Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, the former Iowa Hawkeye showcased a tantalizing blend of agility and brute force, wreaking havoc against both the run and the pass.
Van Ness’ stat line tells a compelling story: three tackles, three tackles for losses, two quarterback hits, and a sack. But it was his relentless pass-rushing prowess that truly turned heads. On 14 pass-rush snaps, Van Ness boasted a remarkable 28.4% win rate, a testament to his ability to disrupt the quarterback’s rhythm.
PFF’s 76.4 grade for Van Ness further solidifies his status as one of the game’s top performers. It’s a clear indication that he’s not just a promising prospect but a player ready to make an immediate impact in the regular season.
With Packers’ head coach Matt LaFleur hinting that starters might sit out the upcoming preseason game against the Denver Broncos, Van Ness is poised to receive even more playing time. It’s a golden opportunity for him to further hone his skills and build on his impressive debut.
For fans eager to witness Van Ness’s dominance firsthand, Andy Herman of Packer Report has provided a film breakdown that showcases several key plays from his stellar performance against the Browns.
As the preseason unfolds, all eyes will be on Lukas Van Ness. If his first game is any indication, the Packers may have unearthed a defensive cornerstone who will anchor their line for years to come. The future looks bright in Green Bay, and Van Ness is shining at the forefront.