$17 million Packers defender In 2023, the 'Biggest Bust' is predicted.

In the 2023 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Iowa pass rusher Lukas Van Ness at No. 13 overall to strengthen a defense that struggled last season. One expert doubts Van Ness' immediate influence.

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[{"selector":"#anim-413de798-ec14-4fc5-9fc2-429e2e72e2aa [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-41.08296809346627%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":3000,"fill":"forwards"}] In a July 10 article, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine predicted every NFL team's "biggest bust" for 2023 and picked first-round Van Ness as the Packers' most likely candidate, citing the team's developmental approach to 2022 first-rounder Devonte Wyatt. swipe up

Ballentine said that Wyatt "never quite got there" in Year 1. He recorded 15 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and 23 percent defensive snaps. But the debut season was disappointing. Van Ness may take a similar path.”

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Green Bay also re-signed veteran Justin Hollins and 2022 fifth-rounder Kingsley Enagbare, complicating Van Ness' playing time.

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Ballentine also said Van Ness needs "a lot of refinement he needs to do to build his pass-rushing repertoire" after not starting for Iowa's defense in his final season.

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Van Ness will play a rotational role, but Rashan Gary and Preston Smith will dominate the Packers pass rush.

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