Green Bay Packers: Rise Of Lukas Van Ness Attributed To New Assistant Coach

When the Green Bay Packers hired DeMarcus Covington as their new defensive line coach this offseason, the hope was that his presence could ignite a resurgence in a defensive front that had underperformed for much of 2024. What few could have anticipated, however, was how quickly his guidance would have a tangible effect—especially on players like Lukas Van Ness.

The former Iowa standout and Packers’ 2023 first-round pick entered training camp in need of a reset after a frustrating sophomore season in the NFL. Two weeks into camp, Van Ness is turning heads and looking every bit like the player Green Bay envisioned when they drafted him 13th overall. Here’s how Covington’s influence is driving Van Ness’ impressive turnaround and what it could mean for the Packers’ defense as a whole.

Green Bay Packers Lukas Van Ness’ Struggles Before Covington

Expectations were sky-high for Lukas Van Ness when he arrived in Green Bay. With his rare blend of size (6-foot-5, 269 pounds) and athletic ability, Van Ness was seen as a prototypical edge defender capable of creating havoc in opposing backfields.

He showed flashes of his potential as a rookie in 2023 but struggled to maintain consistent impact, finishing the season with just 3 sacks and 6 quarterback hits across 17 games. Those struggles only deepened in 2024, as Van Ness found it difficult to adapt to the Packers’ transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defensive scheme under new coordinator Jeff Hafley. His sophomore regressions led many to question if he could live up to his draft pedigree.

Far too often, Van Ness looked hesitant at the line of scrimmage, as though unsure of his assignments or angles. He struggled to fully utilize his physical gifts, often getting neutralized by more technically sound blockers. Coming into 2025, the pressure was mounting for him to prove his worth in a defense looking to rebound.

Enter DeMarcus Covington

With Jason Rebrovich out as the Packers’ defensive line coach, the hiring of DeMarcus Covington brought a fresh energy—and a track record of success—to Green Bay. Covington’s pedigree includes an eight-year stint with the New England Patriots, where he developed versatile defensive fronts and worked closely with star pass rushers. The Packers hoped that Covington’s detail-oriented coaching style and NFL experience could work wonders for players like Van Ness.

Just two weeks into camp, that gamble appears to be paying off. General manager Brian Gutekunst has been effusive in his praise for both Covington’s coaching impact and Van Ness’ progress, calling it “a natural growth” under a mentor who brings out the best in his players.

Van Ness’ Transformation

The most noticeable difference in Van Ness’ play this year? Confidence. Under Covington’s guidance, Van Ness has embraced a more aggressive approach, attacking offensive linemen with a renewed focus and improved technique.

“He continues to stack days,” Gutekunst said of Van Ness. “He’s productive and he’s been really, really consistent. I think DeMarcus has done a fabulous job not just with Lukas, but with the entire group.”

What stands out most in Lukas Van Ness’ camp performance is his utilization of leverage and hand placement—two areas he appeared to struggle with previously. Covington has emphasized refining Van Ness’ pass-rush arsenal, teaching him to set up blockers with greater precision and react more dynamically to changes in protection.

The results speak volumes. Across practices and Green Bay’s preseason opener against the Jets, Van Ness has consistently disrupted the pocket, generating pressure and setting the edge effectively against the run. Coaches have praised his energy, effort, and ability to translate practice reps into game situations.

What Covington Brings Beyond Van Ness

While Van Ness is a high-profile example of Covington’s influence, the ripple effect extends throughout the Packers’ defensive front. Fellow edge defender Brenton Cox Jr., a former undrafted free agent, has reportedly turned heads in camp with his improved consistency under Covington’s coaching. Rookie defensive end Barryn Sorrell also credited Covington’s leadership for his strong debut against the Jets, during which he recorded a team-high two quarterback hits.

Perhaps more importantly, Covington’s impact could unlock greater potential from veteran stars like Rashan Gary and Kenny Clark. Both players have expressed enthusiasm for the accountability and technique-focused culture he’s brought to the defensive unit. It’s clear that Covington’s arrival hasn’t just elevated individuals—it’s raising the collective standard of the group as a whole.

What This Means for the Packers’ 2025 Defense

The Green Bay Packers’ defensive struggles last season weren’t limited to their inability to generate a pass rush, but it’s clear that improving in this area is key to their hopes of contending. The addition of Covington and the emergence of players like Van Ness as high-level contributors could be the catalyst Green Bay needs to turn things around.

For Van Ness in particular, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If his transformation under Covington continues, he has the potential to not only justify his lofty draft selection but to become a foundational piece in a defense looking to redefine itself.

Meanwhile, the collective improvements along the defensive line could bolster Green Bay’s ability to complement a young and evolving offense led by Jordan Love. If the defense can consistently generate pressure and force mistakes, the Packers could be a far more balanced and dangerous team in 2025.

Final Thoughts

Rarely does a positional coach make headlines, but DeMarcus Covington’s impact on the Packers has been impossible to ignore. His ability to reignite Lukas Van Ness’ potential, coupled with his influence across the defensive line, has already injected optimism into a unit that needed it most.

As Green Bay’s season approaches, all eyes will be on the continued growth of Van Ness and his teammates under Covington’s watchful eye. If training camp is any indication, the Packers’ new defensive line coach could end up being one of their most important acquisitions of the offseason.