Packers' Kenny Clark says Lukas Van Ness is 'going to be a problem'
It's only May, but that still doesn't mean coaches and players can't envision what players -especially rookies- are going to look like in terms of how they play this year. Specifically, this goes for Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, who can already see big things in store for rookie Lukas Van Ness. "He […]
It's only May, but that still doesn't mean coaches and players can't envision what players -especially rookies- are going to look like in terms of how they play this year.
Specifically, this goes for Green Bay Packers Pro Bowler Kenny Clark, who can already see big things in store for rookie Lukas Van Ness.
"He has a lot of power to his game [and] I think him playing inside in college really helped him out with that," Clark told reporters Tuesday. "He's a really good athlete and he can get around the edge. But his power game is going going to be good for him. I believe his speed to power and all that kind of stuff – once he starts, unlocking those tools and starts understanding it, he's going to be a problem."
The Packers really need Van Ness to hit the ground running
Clark's comment is everything the Packers want to hear and hopefully, for their sake, Van Ness hits his stride sooner than later.
The team has a pretty big hole to fill on the opposite side of Preston Smith. Rashan Gary, the team's best pass rusher, is recovering from a torn ACL he suffered back in Week 9 and it's unclear as to whether or not he'll be ready to go by Week 1. Even then, there's a big difference between "being ready to go" and "returning to full form". For all we know, Gary may not be back to his old self until mid-season or even 2024.
Therefore, the Packers need another viable threat opposite Smith. Kingsley Enagbare did OK when Gary went down last year, but Van Ness has the traits to be a premium starter in the NFL. Even with Enagbare in the fold and Gary's eventual return – the team still needs an effective guy in the rotation. You can't expect Enagbare and Smith to play every single snap.
Fortunately, Van Ness has a solid trio of vets he can rely on in Clark, Gary, and Smith. In all, the sky is the limit for the rookie. It's just a matter of when he gets there.
