Just a few weeks ago, the Green Bay Packers blew up NFL headlines after trading for linebacker Micah Parsons in a deal with the Dallas Cowboys.
Details in the deal included the Packers giving up defensive tackle Kenny Clark and two first-round picks in exchange for Parsons, who would then sign a record-breaking four-year, $188 million deal with his new team.
Penn State alum Parsons will add a new look to the Packers' defense. He spoke highly of fellow linebacker, 2023 first-round pick Lukas Van Ness, after their Week 1 victory.
MORE: Micah Parsons reacts to first game with the Packers
Parsons: Van Ness 'going to have his best year yet'
In the Week 1 win, Micah Parsons was limited to just 29 snaps in the season opener while he continues to ramp up from a joint sprain in his back. This opened up an opportunity for Lukas Van Ness.
Nearly splitting snaps in Week 1, Parsons noticed Van Ness' talents. He commented on the potential of Green Bay's 2023 first-round pick.
"I'm telling you, I think Van Ness is going to have his best year yet this year," Parsons said, according to ESPN's Rob Demovsky. "I'm going to make sure of it. That guy, he's a very selfless player, like very selfless. He's one of them guys that can go anywhere. He plays the run, he does everything. He's the high-quality player that you just want to be around. I'm going to make sure that guy gets as many plays as possible."
Although Lukas Van Ness had an underwhelming start to his career in Green Bay – totaling 65 tackles, seven sacks, and one forced fumble over his first two seasons – expectations are rising. With Micah Parsons projected to ramp up over the season, Van Ness could still see his ceiling rise in 2025.