Green Bay Packers linebacker Lukas Van Ness. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jeff Hafley hints at Lukas Van Ness growing into a problem

Originally posted on WI Sports Heroics | By Robin M Adams | Last updated Aug 2, 2025 9:03 AM ET

Luka Van Ness has been through two seasons in the NFL, but the Green Bay Packers linebacker hasn’t quite yet lived up to the hype that came with him when the team took him 13th overall in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

In his rookie season, the former Iowa Hawkeyes star played in 17 games and recorded four sacks. He took a step back in 2024, recording just three sacks in 17 games. His Pro Football Focus grade slid down from 64.0 in 2023 to 53.8 in 2024. But at least he’s been durable for Green Bay, having not missed a game thus far in his career.

Availability is one thing, though. It’s what he does when he’s on the field that the Packers want to see improve.

Year 3 for Van Ness could be where he truly breaks out, an exciting thought for the Packers, who were 12th in 2024 with a defensive sack rate of 7.42 percent.

Packers DC shares 2025 outlook for Van Ness

Green Bay Packers: Jeff Hafley Hints at Lukas Van Ness Growing Into a Problem 1 Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) scrambles away from pressure applied by Green Bay Packers defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (90) during the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, who is entering his second year in the role with the team, is feeling optimistic about Van Ness.

Here’s what Hafley said about Van Ness, via Green Bay’s official website.

“He’s a year older. He’s got another year in the scheme. I think he’s starting to understand the position, how to use his hands, how to set edges, some pass rush tools, some counter moves. It was a good offseason for him truthfully. He did a good job at OTAs and then he left here and he put in a lot of work. He came back in really good shape, he’s healthy. I think he’s starting to feel comfortable. DeMarcus (Covington) has done a really good job with him and that entire group, but again, it’s still early.”

At just 24 years old, Van Ness likely hasn’t reached his peak yet, and if he does take a leap in 2025, that should be a huge plus for the Packers.

Green Bay Packers: Jeff Hafley Hints at Lukas Van Ness Growing Into a Problem 2 Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) is sacked by Green Bay Packers defensive end Lukas Van Ness (90) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.

This article first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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