INDIANAPOLIS -- The annual NFL Scouting Combine offers a glimpse into the league's future through prospects measured in 40-yard dash times and vertical leaps. But for Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst, the most significant insights at this year's event were about the young talent already on the team's roster.
Speaking to reporters on February 26, 2026, Gutekunst expressed genuine enthusiasm for the development of his young edge rushers--specifically Lukas Van Ness, Barryn Sorrell, and Collin Oliver--whom the organization expects to take a major step forward in the coming season.
"We're incredibly excited about that group," Gutekunst said. "You look at Lukas, Barryn, and Collin--they've put in the work, they've absorbed the system, and now it's about them taking that next step. We believe they have the talent and the drive to be the foundation of our pass rush for a long time."
These remarks signal more than standard offseason optimism; they underscore the Packers' strategic plan for defensive resurgence. In today's NFL, pressuring the quarterback is crucial. Gutekunst's confidence suggests the answers lie within the current roster.
Lukas Van Ness: From Project to Pillar
Lukas Van Ness, the former first-round pick, is the headline figure among the trio. His rookie season was an adjustment period to the NFL's speed and power, but flashes of his potential were evident. Known for his size, explosive strength, and relentless motor, Van Ness has been a situational weapon.
The 2025 season marked a pivotal moment. Coaches emphasized broadening his pass-rush moves and consistency against the run. According to Gutekunst, Van Ness has made substantial progress.
"Lukas has transformed his body and his game," Gutekunst stated. "He's always had the physical tools, but now you're seeing technical refinement--his hand usage, his plan of attack--it's all coming together. We see him not just as a contributor, but as a cornerstone who can set the edge and hunt the quarterback on all three downs."
The expectation for 2026 is clear: Van Ness must evolve from a player of flashes to one of consistent, game-changing production. The organization believes he's on the verge of that breakthrough.
Barryn Sorrell & Collin Oliver: The Under-the-Radar Arsenal
While Van Ness carries the first-round pedigree, Gutekunst's equal praise for Barryn Sorrell and Collin Oliver reveals the depth of the Packers' young pass-rushing talent.
Sorrell, an undrafted free agent from Texas who made the 2025 roster, quickly became a coaching staff favorite for his football IQ and versatility. Though lacking elite measurables, he plays with exceptional leverage, technique, and relentless effort. He was a reliable rotational player as a rookie, showing a knack for being around the ball.
"Barryn is a football player, pure and simple," Gutekunst said. "He understands blocking schemes, plays with great discipline, and finds ways to make plays. His development from college to now has been remarkable. We think he has a very high ceiling."
Oliver's journey differed. After a productive college career, he joined the Packers practice squad in 2025 following time elsewhere. Known for bend and a quick first step, Oliver represents a classic speed-rush threat from the edge. The Packers have patiently developed his frame and understanding of NFL offensive tackles.
"Collin has that rare ability to turn the corner," Gutekunst noted. "He's dedicated himself in the weight room and film room. He's positioned himself to compete for significant playing time. His growth over the past year has been exactly what we hoped."
Building From Within
Gutekunst's combine comments underscore the Packers' roster-building philosophy. In a venue spotlighting new prospects, he intentionally shifted focus to internal growth as a message: opportunity emerges from within, and expectations are clear for the defensive staff.
The focus on Van Ness, Sorrell, and Oliver does not mean the Packers won't add to the position through free agency or the draft. Gutekunst remains pragmatic. Still, any additions will likely complement this core rather than replace it. The team is betting on growth, continuity, and player development.
This approach reflects Green Bay's historical success. Talent identification is one phase; cultivating it into consistent production is another. By naming these players publicly, Gutekunst is holding them--and the development program--accountable.
The 2026 Mandate
Underlying the optimistic outlook is a clear mandate. The NFC North remains fiercely competitive, and playoff success hinges on quarterback disruption. The Packers' defense showed promise late in 2025 and needs its pass rush to evolve from complementary to defining strength.
For Lukas Van Ness, that means aiming for double-digit sacks and Pro Bowl consideration. For Barryn Sorrell, becoming an indispensable, every-down player. For Collin Oliver, transforming practice dominance into game-changing sacks.
The general manager's confidence is now a public challenge. The combine reflects potential. By the season's start, the Packers expect that potential realized. If Gutekunst's optimism holds, Green Bay could boast one of the NFL's most formidable, young, and cost-efficient pass-rushing units.
The foundation is set, the belief declared. For Van Ness, Sorrell, and Oliver, the 2026 season is their moment to prove it.