The Green Bay Packers have quite a few decisions to make with the 2026 NFL Draft beginning later this week. Brian Gutekunst still has quite a few roster holes that need to be filled.
A few of those holes come at different positions on defense. They could use another pass rusher, more help in the secondary, and defensive line depth as well. Offensively, the Packers could use a backup quarterback, a backup running back, and wide receiver talent for the future.
Looking closer at the pass rushing situation, it’s clear that Green Bay could use more talent.
Micah Parsons is still recovering from the torn ACL that he suffered late last season. He will not be ready for Week 1. Rashan Gary was also traded to the Dallas Cowboys this offseason.
At this point in time, Green Bay has Lukas Van Ness, Karl Brooks, Brenton Cox Jr., Barryn Sorrell, and Collin Oliver as its top pass rushers. There is talent in that group, but the Packers do not have a surefire option behind Parsons.
Keeping that in mind, Van Ness is facing a make or break season this year.
Packers’ Lukas Van Ness Hit With Concerning Update Before NFL Draft
Since being drafted with the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Van Ness has shown glimpses of potential. In three seasons, he has played in 43 games and racked up 84 tackles, 8.5 sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a defended pass.
Those numbers aren’t going to get the job done.
With that being said, Lombardi Ave’s Jaleel Grandberry believes that Van Ness could be on the hot seat if Green Bay decides to draft a pass rusher with one of its first picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“That heat will get turned up a few notches if the Packers select an edge defender with one of their first picks, and it could signal the end of Van Ness’ time in Green Bay,” Grandberry wrote. “Of course, his play will have the final say.”
It’s time for Van Ness to put up or shut up. The Packers need to see something from him in training camp and preseason action, or he could go down as a major first-round draft bust.
Other Players Who Could Also Be on the Hot Seat
Outside of Van Ness, Grandberry also named a few other players whose jobs could be in jeopardy.
Those players were tight end Luke Musgrave, cornerback Carrington Valentine, and defensive tackle Karl Brooks. All three of those players have shown flashes of high-caliber potential, but none of them have developed quite as Green Bay had hoped.
Gutekunst and the Packers have some major decisions to make. They do not have a first-round pick due to the trade for Parsons, which does complicate things.
Despite not having a first-round selection, Green Bay will have chances to improve. Van Ness and multiple other players could be on the chopping block depending on what the Packers decide to do.
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