Cory's Corner: Time To Unleash Van Ness
The athletic outside linebacker is on a similar path as Rashan Gary.
I want to see the speed. I want to see the athletic ability. I want to see the playmaking.
A new NFL calendar has flipped and the expectations for sophomore outside linebacker Lukas Van Ness have risen exponentially.
The Packers took Van Ness with the 13th overall pick last year. He played 33 percent of the defensive snaps and 24 percent of the special teams snaps. He tallied eight hurries and five sacks. He even showed off his speed by chasing down and tackling Justin Fields from behind.
Van Ness just needs to be given opportunities. Preston Smith was just given a contract extension in 2022 that lasts through the 2026 season when he will be 34.
This actually reminds me of the Aaron Rodgers-Jordan Love situation. The Packers drafted Love with aspirations of taking over the offensive reins, but in order for that to happen, he had to learn and understand the position.
Granted, Van Ness isn’t in the same situation because he has seen more game action. But the Packers are still bringing him along slowly. The learning curve for Rashan Gary was steep but he quickly turned into Green Bay’s best defensive player.
That’s where I’m sitting with Van Ness. He’s like a powder keg just waiting to go off. New Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley might have to get creative to get him on the field along with Gary and Smith. To Van Ness’s benefit, he’s been very good at stopping the run, so that shows that he isn’t afraid to be a team player and help out wherever necessary — not just a guy that’s looking to rack up stats.
I’ve been saying it for awhile now. The Packers have the horses on defense. The reason that Joe Barry was fired as Packers defensive coordinator was because he was afraid to take chances. This team has the athletes that afford you the opportunities to take chances.
And the person that’s leading the charge is Van Ness. There are so many things that he can do, he just needs to be given the chance.
So the time is very soon for Van Ness. He just needs to be consistent in everything he does. That is what made Gary a premiere player in this league.
And that’s what will ultimately make Van Ness the cornerstone of this defense.
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Cory Jennerjohn is a graduate from UW-Oshkosh and has been in sports media for over 15 years. He was a co-host on "Clubhouse Live" and has also done various radio and TV work as well. He has written for newspapers, magazines and websites. He currently is a columnist for CHTV and also does various podcasts. He recently earned his Masters degree from the University of Iowa. He can be found on Twitter: @Coryjennerjohn
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Comments (39)
Boneman
March 23, 2024 at 07:13 am
I expect LVN will play a lot more this year, probably even start. Don't be surprised if Preston comes to camp 10 to 15 pounds lighter and plays more strong side LB while Gary and LVN are in true down DE positions. Look for Brooks and Wyatt to line up as a rotational DE's in certain situations too. Should be fun!
Guam
March 23, 2024 at 08:03 am
With Enagbare out rehabbing until mid season, I see Preston playing lots of DE rather than LB.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 24, 2024 at 03:01 pm
Options. The new DC has options!
LLCHESTY
March 23, 2024 at 02:01 pm
Preston isn't a LB, he's an Edge.
dblbogey
March 23, 2024 at 05:21 pm
Barry liked using Preston as a CB.
LLCHESTY
March 23, 2024 at 09:34 pm
You seem confused as to where on the field a CB plays.
Coldworld
March 24, 2024 at 11:18 am
Hafley did say he likes bigger, physical slots ….
gsd3
March 24, 2024 at 01:40 pm
Preston is a DE moving forward. Never was or will be quick enough to be a 4-3 backer. Hell of an effort guy and edge setter.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 24, 2024 at 03:02 pm
I think he'd do well in that role. We'll see ...
NickPerry
March 23, 2024 at 07:35 am
I agree Cory, it is time to unleash Van Ness. But I don't think it's just Van Ness that is unleashed. I've been waiting for the Packers to make a switch to a 4-3 defense since the Dom Capers days. I think right now the Packers are in a really good spot with the pieces they already have.
It's not just Van Ness but it's also Gary, Brooks, and Wyatt that I think will improve. The Packers already have most of the pieces in place. Get another ILB, run stuffing D-Tackle, and a Safety and their set. This defense is FINALLY going to look like the defense we've all been waiting for.
Starrbrite
March 23, 2024 at 07:57 am
Agree Nick, they are about to reach their legitimate potential.
Guam
March 23, 2024 at 07:58 am
Nick: I wouldn't hold your breath waiting for another run stuffing DT. If Justis Mosqueda was anywhere hear right about Hafley's defense (in his podcast with Andy Herman), then Hafley likes to play the run on the way to the quarterback. He previously has preferred quicker, penetrating tackles to disrupt plays rather than larger run stuffers to wall up. Mosqueda even made the point that the odd man out in the DLs might be Slaton because he is all run stuffer and not much of a pass rusher. Guys like Wyatt, Brooks and Wooden are Hafley's preferred DTs.
dobber
March 23, 2024 at 09:46 am
They need some beef in the rotation. Even if they were to let Slaton go, they'd likely replace him with a similar kind of player. I think Slaton has proven himself to be a capable interior DL, and while his snaps might be reduced in this even front defense, I don't see them cutting loose a guy who can play unless they find a guy who fill the same role better.
I like to tell the story of Ron Wolf supposedly meeting with Brian Noble (supposedly...it might have been a different vet of the 80s) shortly after he was hired. Noble wanted some assurance from Wolf that his job was safe. Wolf supposedly said, "your job is safe until I can find someone to do it better." Roster management 101.
Guam
March 23, 2024 at 10:24 am
I thought Slaton played pretty well last year, but this is about a numbers game as well as style of play. 4-3 teams usually carry 8 defensive linemen. The Packers already have Clark, Wyatt, Brooks, Wooden, Slaton, Gary, P. Smith, Van Ness, Enagbare and Cox as DL. Enagbare will likely be out for at least half the season on PUP, but that still leaves the Packers with nine DL currently on the active roster unless Cox can transition to a SAM linebacker (questionable).
Somebody will be at risk and Mosquesda simply made the point that Slaton was the least best fit for Hafley's style of defense. And given the numbers already on DL, I certainly don't expect the Packers to add another "run stuffing" DL that is inconsistent with Hafley's style of defense. Who would they cut to make room?
Coldworld
March 24, 2024 at 11:26 am
I am not sure I agree at all with Justus’s take on Slaton anyway. A big 330 pound DT whose strength was not the run but actually disrupting due to his explosion. He’s got better against the run, he’s reduced the inconsistency in his play that was his biggest negative.
I think he’s actually a bigger than normal 4:3 DT who can disrupt effectively. He could really thrive in this system. He’s a bit like Brooks, his strengths are not actually what his measurements lead people to assume.
4:3. DTs are not generally not stationary run stuffers. If we are in sub packages then I suspect a DT would suggest Ford is not the future.
LLCHESTY
March 23, 2024 at 02:13 pm
I really don't understand Packer fan fascination with huge guys. Kris Jenkins is considered the best run stuffing DT in this draft and he's 305 lbs. The Packers won't have a DT head up on the center trying to control two linemen.
Aaron Donald, one of the best DTs ever, said he played his best season between 255-260 lbs.
https://twitter.com/QBsMVP/status/1771298434294636788?t=ayvSrDTNW82liuyy...
Duhawk_47
March 25, 2024 at 03:16 pm
Gotta be that ol' #93 Gilbert Brown nostalgia!
PeteK
March 23, 2024 at 10:23 am
When a very good offensive line is running downhill against a lighter penetrating D line, it needs a Slaton to do the dirty work and clog things up so the LBs can make the tackles.
Guam
March 23, 2024 at 10:27 am
So who do you cut if not Slaton? Wooden?
LLCHESTY
March 23, 2024 at 02:15 pm
He's not a consistent run defender. I don't think it would be that hard to replace with a good run defender that has more pass rush upside.
golfpacker1
March 23, 2024 at 11:01 am
The 2025 draft looks really strong and deep for the DT position. WE can get a really good one there and start the Super Bowl run. Check out the 6'5 370lb DT from Alabama. He makes Sweat look small.
Idaho Cheese
March 23, 2024 at 05:57 pm
You talking about Justin Eboigbe (6"4.3ish" 297lbs)? Sweat is (6' 4.5" 366lbs) The next heavest guy to Sweat is 30 pounds lighter.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 24, 2024 at 03:03 pm
I'm curious how #99 57 & 56 get used.
Coldworld
March 23, 2024 at 08:21 am
A different system, with a different base alignment and an entirely new set of positional coaches means a fresh evaluation of everyone. It will be interesting to see how it all falls out in terms of roles and playing time, but I think Van Ness will get plenty of opportunities.
dobber
March 23, 2024 at 09:55 am
It's in light of what you say here that this particular comment from Cory:
"Preston Smith was just given a contract extension in 2022 that lasts through the 2026 season when he will be 34.
This actually reminds me of the Aaron Rodgers-Jordan Love situation. "
...is awfully lame. If they gave Smith a contract in 2022 expecting the defense to be a roller coaster leading a to change coordinators and scheme two seasons down the road and then drafted Van Ness--with a very different skill set and pedigree--in 2023 expecting him to grow into a role that wasn't defined yet for 2024? Maybe. The only connex is the "vet player--young player" vibe. Weak sauce.
crayzpackfan
March 23, 2024 at 08:41 am
At what point does easing someone in actually become holding someone back? Put him in coach. That rookie contract won't be cheap forever.
Strat
March 25, 2024 at 12:57 pm
I thought that's exactly what they did last year, hold him back. The 13th pick in the draft shouldn't be a project, but it seemed way to close to that. You want the guy to learn then give him game time reps.
TKWorldWide
March 23, 2024 at 10:46 am
I think if he’s anywhere near ready, they’ll let him play. A lot. Why would they hold him back? All new coaches, fresh perspective, revised responsibilities for the players, it’s time to eat! A four man front of 52, 97, 95, and 90? All of them first rounders? Let’s go! AGNFB!
SicSemperTyrannis
March 24, 2024 at 03:13 pm
EXACTLY!
And with significant depth behind them. I see people asking who would you cut, mock drafts prioritizing DL; why?!?
Prioritize where we're weak.
CoachJV
March 23, 2024 at 11:03 am
Five sacks while only playing 33% of Defensive snaps is very impressive. On that pace, he could have had 14 or 15... maybe more. Yeah, lets take off the training wheels.
LambeauPlain
March 23, 2024 at 12:10 pm
I agree and believe Van Ness will thrive in the 4-3 (4-2) as a DE. He played many snaps at Iowa from a 3 pt and showed an ability to play rush outside and inside.
Gary, Smith, Nan Ness, Wooden, Cox Wooden and even Brooks can all play DE until Enagbare returns. Wooden and Brooks inside too.)
That's a solid core to work into a rotation.
golfpacker1
March 23, 2024 at 11:10 am
This could very well be Preston Smiths last season in GB, unless he takes a big salary cut. He has massive cap hits in 2025 & 2026. I am not sure what the savings would be, but it looks large, Smith had a great year last year after a so-so 2022 season. A salary cut and another good year in 2024 could keep him around through 2025.
It's impossible to expect a big season from Brenton Cox, but he could be a wildcard this year if he gets on the field and plays well. He has the physical tools already; he just needs to show on the field what the Packers think he has. He would be a really cheap replacement for Smith too.
Alberta_Packer
March 23, 2024 at 12:22 pm
I do not regard LVN as an outside LB. He was listed as an Edge for the draft but his height, weight and strength suggest that his optimal position is as an athletic DE - even a situational DT - particularly in a 4-3.
As for "unleashing" LVN - that is somewhat hyperbolic - inferring that he somehow was "leashed" in his first year. I don't think he was. He played in all 17 games - receiving regular snaps (from 11 to 46) plus STs. It was a fine developmental and performance year for him - as a rookie - which offers the reasonable expectation for a 2nd year leap. Especially in a 4-3 defense with a fresh and innovative DC.
TKWorldWide
March 23, 2024 at 10:35 pm
Agreed. In a 3-4 he was an OLB, and now he’s a hand in the dirt DE. That’s why so many scouts now refer to a player as an “EDGE” (all caps very important). So for the league overall, an EDGE is a DE if they play a 4-3 and an OLB if they play a 3-4.
But since most teams play nickel most of the time, I, think the difference is minimal. Heck, last year, LVN even got “permission” to put his hand down since he was more comfortable that way.
What I really care about is GB making opposing QB’s UNcomfortable. (However they line up at the snap.)
jont
March 23, 2024 at 02:06 pm
Karl Brooks simply makes plays. He's my prediction for the guy who makes a big jump this year.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 24, 2024 at 03:17 pm
We have a LOT of players I look to make a big leap this year :)
GPG!
KnockTheSnotOutOfYou
March 24, 2024 at 06:08 am
In reading everyone's excellent contributions it is clear we all are ready for the NFL draft and for football camp.
SicSemperTyrannis
March 24, 2024 at 03:00 pm
Luke Ness MONSTER!!
He did make a few MONSTER plays last season :)
He needs to add technique. Can the new coaching staff bring out his best? They emphasize teaching, so I'm very hopeful. Don't forget about #56 either, and 57 Cox. I see a lot of emphasis on edge rushers in mock drafts, I just don't see the need for all that. Develop who you've got and prioritize elsewhere ...
Leatherhead
March 24, 2024 at 03:38 pm
LVN, Smith, Gary, and probably Brooks or Wooden are part of a real good 4 man rotation at DE. We should be able to keep healthy, rested players on the field in the 4th quarter. Over the course of the season, the guys who stay the healthiest and play the best will be on the field the most, and I suspect those two will be Gary and VanNess.