Ex-Packers First-Round Pick Named Breakout Candidate For 2025 Season

The Green Bay Packers’ pass rush was arguably the most disappointing unit on the team last season. Sure, they totaled 45 sacks—but 20 of those came in just three games. Additionally, they ranked 27th in pass rush win rate. Rashan Gary led the team in pressures but finished only 31st among qualified edge rushers.

General Manager Brian Gutekunst drafted edge rushers Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver to bring in fresh talent on the outside. He also added Warren Brinson, an interior lineman who should contribute primarily against the run. Green Bay hired DeMarcus Covington, a former New England Patriots assistant, to coach the defensive front. 

Covington’s role will be crucial in 2025 as the Packers aim to restore stability to the trenches. If everything goes to plan, Green Bay should be back to having a reliable pass rush next season. With that hopeful outlook in mind, one Packers edge rusher and former first-round pick has been named a breakout candidate for 2025.

“Number 2 on the most important Green Bay Packers breakout candidates list is defensive end Lukas Van Ness,” wrote Packers Talk’s Joseph Vanadia. 

"Since being drafted number 13 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Van Ness has not lived up to expectations," he added. "A thumb injury derailed the start of his 2024 season, and it never seemed like he felt comfortable.'

Vanadia also highlighted that the Packers chose not to add an edge rusher in free agency. By bringing in DeMarcus Covington, Green Bay is showing confidence in developing talent from within.

"The Packers did not sign any pass rushers this offseason banking on internal improvement to help their pass rush," he wrote. "As raw as he was as a pass rusher coming out of Iowa, it’s certainly possible there’s development still to come. Especially now that the Packers have replaced defensive line coach Jason Rebrovich with the well-regarded DeMarcus Covington. Maybe Covington will be able to unlock something in Van Ness that’s been dormant to this point."

In two seasons with Green Bay, Van Ness has recorded 38 pressures and seven sacks. A thumb injury in 2024 likely disrupted his development, but that only goes so far. He needs to deliver a productive 2025 campaign—otherwise, he will inch closer to bust territory.