GREEN BAY, Wis. — The Packers continue Organized Team Activities in Green Bay. Tuesday’s practice was open to the media.
It’s a pivotal year for pass rusher Lukas Van Ness, who said a broken thumb limited him last season. The 2023 first-round draft pick knows that his third season with the Green Bay Packers will be very important.
“The expectations, it’s within the building, it’s within the room,” said Van Ness. “We all hold ourselves to a very high standard in that room. Every week we come in and we want to impact the game as much as possible. Moving forward, we got to be better, collectively.”
His coaches have seen the growth firsthand.
“Lukas has shown a lot of growth, and I’m excited to see him once we get pads on,” said Packers Head Coach Matt LaFleur. “I just think there’s a different confidence level with him.”
Van Ness praised the Packers’ new defensive line coach DeMarcus Covington, calling him a leader of men.
“We’ve started doing handshakes in the beginning of every meeting, just building that camaraderie,” said Van Ness. “I think when you want to play for the guy next to you out on the field, it’s a brotherhood. Together, when we’re one, that’s when we’re the best.”
Van Ness said he’s focused on working hard, not stressing out.
“Really since coming into the league, this is my first time to kind of get this slow tempo foundation period, just to kind of work on the basics,” said Van Ness. “I’ve really learned a lot over the past couple of weeks, and I’ve really come to love this time of year. Going into year three, the expectations are always going to be high. As for myself, I pushed myself very hard. I have very high expectations for myself and what I think I’m capable of and what I can do. Most importantly, just coming in here every single day and being consistent, and being a hard worker and just putting trust among the team.”
Van Ness has even gotten some work on the interior of the defensive line as the Packers see all the options they have to get him on the field.