NFL Draft Grades on Packers’ First-Round Pick Lukas Van Ness
GREEN BAY, Wis. – NFL Draft grades are like a bucket of Halloween candy. Sure, chocolate and jellybeans are tasty, but they provide nothing but empty calories and cavities.
But you clicked on the link looking for that sugar high. So, here is how the NFL Draft Punditry graded the Green Bay Packers’ selection of Lukas Van Ness in the first round.
Clicking on the individual links generally will provide more in-depth analysis.
Van Ness’ athletic profile is similar to that of Packers edge rusher Rashan Gary, with both players featuring outstanding agility. Van Ness also has the length and functional strength to play 5 technique, as well, which is a position of need for the team. I like the value here in a young player with excellent upside.
Van Ness reminds me of a young Cameron Jordan at Cal. Jordan was characterized by some as a ‘tweener back in 2011, when he left Cal as a 6-4, 287-pound senior and the Saints scooped him up 24th overall. He’s since been voted to eight Pro Bowls. I love this kid’s upside and fit in Green Bay.
Pro Football Network’s Ben Rolfe: A-minus
The Packers could have gone a couple of different routes here. Both tight ends – Dalton Kincaid and Michael Mayer – were still on the board, as was Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba, in particular, would have been a perfect complement for Jordan Love’s current weapons core. But let’s not sleep on the potential Lukas Van Ness brings to this defense.
The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman: B-plus
Van Ness was too quick for most guards, and his bull rush on the edge was uncommon. He possesses violent, heavy hands although as a rookie he will be a work in progress as a run defender.
Yahoo’s Charles McDonald: B-plus
Van Ness needs development before he can be a consistent Pro Bowl-level starter, but guys with his athleticism almost never fail.
Van Ness reminded me a little bit of Rashan Gary throughout the draft process, so this pick for the Packers makes a ton of sense. The former Iowa standout brings high-end physical traits and plenty of untapped potential.
Bleacher Report’s Ben Sobleski: B
Van Ness' previous experience playing multiple positions fits well into the Green Bay Packers' setup. The incoming rookie can either contribute as a 5-technique or bookend Rashan Gary off the edge. He's strong and athletic enough to do either.
On the Draft Tracker page at Packer Central, which includes live grading and best-available lists, Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame gave the selection a B-minus.
He’ll become part of a three-headed monster with Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, giving Green Bay a potentially elite rotation. His power is undeniable, but the question is whether he can develop other ways to get to the quarterback.
Whenever you were watching the Iowa defense last season, he would always pop, even if you weren’t focused on him. He’s going to need to add more to his pass rush arsenal to be a consistent impact player in the NFL.
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, B-minus
He's an effort player who has the tools to get better on the next level. Some think he will be like J.J. Watt from that standpoint, better in the NFL. Time will tell.
SB Nation’s Joseph Acosta: C-plus
This is a Packers type of player, but one I think they could’ve traded back for.
USA Today’s For the Win: C-plus
There’s something to be said for consistency. Aaron Rodgers is gone, and Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst is still drafting defenders with his premium picks. In this case, the Packers take on Lukas Van Ness, someone who is probably more of a project than instant impact player.
He’s a bit of a project with limited experience for a team that had more pressing offensive needs at wide receiver, tight end and tackle to boost new young starting quarterback Jordan Love.
Many thought this was the spot to find quarterback Jordan Love a playmaker, but the Packers instead opted for Van Ness. He uses his power to cave in opposing pass protections and likely comes with the versatility of being able to kick inside at times.
Green Bay passed up its chance to take any of the wide receivers and any of the tight ends for Van Ness, a 6-foot-5, 272-pound hulking edge rusher. Why not help out inexperienced quarterback Jordan Love?
The Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Loser
it was a surprise that Green Bay passed on a tight end like Notre Dame's Michael Mayer or a receiver like Ohio State's Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who went No. 20 to Seattle. NFC North rival Minnesota also took USC's Jordan Addison at No. 23.
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