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3 positive signs from Packers’ third and final open OTA

By Brian Sampson

Linebacker Lukas Van Ness (90) during the 2023 Green Bay Packers’ rookie minicamp on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Don Hutson Center indoor practice facility in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Linebacker Lukas Van Ness (90) during the 2023 Green Bay Packers’ rookie minicamp on Friday, May 5, 2023 at the Don Hutson Center indoor practice facility in Ashwaubenon, Wis. Wm. Glasheen USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin /
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Green Bay Packers
ASHWAUBENON, WISCONSIN – MAY 31: Lukas Van Ness #90 of the Green Bay Packers participates in an OTA practice session at Don Hutson Center on May 31, 2023 in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Lukas Van Ness moves up the depth chart

Green Bay surprised many fans and draft analysts by selecting outside linebacker Lukas Van Ness with the 13th overall pick. Many expected them to go in a different direction after acquiring the selection in the trade with the New York Jets and with Jaxon Smith-Njigba still on the board.

Van Ness was running with the second unit when we last saw him. Considering his first-round status, this was a bit of a surprise, but he’s already moving up the depth chart. He started opposite Preston Smith on Tuesday as Rashan Gary continues to recover from his ACL injury.

Next. 4 Packers who could regress in 2023. dark

Van Ness has great versatility, able to line up at outside linebacker and likely slide down to the defensive line as well. That will help him get on the field early. However, it’s good that he’s already elevated to starting level considering the lack of healthy talent ahead of him on the Packers’ roster.

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