Scouting Opinions of Packers First-Round Pick Lukas Van Ness

The Green Bay Packers used the 13th overall selection on ascending Iowa defender Lukas Van Ness. Here are some expert opinions.

Author:
Bill Huber
Updated:
Apr 27, 2023 11:52 PM EDT
Original:
Apr 27, 2023

In this story:

Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, Wis. – The Green Bay Packers spent their first-round pick on Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness, who presumably will play outside linebacker with his new NFL team.

Here is an assortment of scouting opinions on Van Ness, with much more extensive looks by clicking on the links.

NFL scout to Packer Central: Really good pick and really typical pick. Didn’t think he’d fall to 13 but, when he did, this was the most obvious pick ever. He’s a Green Bay kind of guy. Kind of like Rashan (Gary) in that the whole isn’t the sum of the parts. Really only played on the edge last year. He’s got a lot of work to do but there’s no reason why he won’t be a real difference-maker for them.

Van Ness on playing on the edge: I’m a very power-oriented rusher, I feel like using my length to separate from offensive linemen associated with my power can be very dangerous. Working on a lot of stab-clubs, counters inside. I think if you put me outside, I can be very dangerous on the edge.

Athlon: It's easy to see the physical traits, and Van Ness looks to have an innate understanding of leverage and block deconstruction. Once an NFL staff gets its hands on him, he could rapidly develop into a special player.

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein: Van Ness is a well-developed defensive end with excellent lean mass and additional growth still to come. He’s a power-centric prospect with force as his modus operandi as both a run defender and pass rusher.

NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah conference call: He has big-time, big-time explosiveness and power. Kind of a bull in a China shop. Again, somebody who is just figuring out, but when you watch him against the best tackles he played against, he got after them.

Pro Football Focus: Due to how dominant Van Ness was as a bull rusher, I don’t blame him for repeatedly going back to that well. That being said, NFL offensive linemen are unlikely to afford him the same luxury.

33rd Team: Lukas Van Ness is a tall, athletic and powerful defensive end who provides versatility to align off the edge or condensed inside. His long levers and relentless motor allow him to pressure the backfield and disrupt the run game. He has a high ceiling and will just need time on the job to refine his pass rush repertoire.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler: Van Ness has high-end tools with his length and play strength, which allows him to wear down blockers as a pass rusher or stack, locate and play off blocks in the run game. Van Ness needs coached up, but he is an ascending player and competes like a grizzly bear with his fierce power and explosive twitch.

Sports Info Solutions: Van Ness’ quickest way onto the field will be as a pass rusher. As with most of his game, there is plenty of room for improvement, but he has shown flashes of being a top-end pass rusher. His bull rush is NFL-ready and he drives opposing linemen back into the QB’s lap. His combination of lower-body and upper-body strength is impressive. The bull rush is his only real move at this point and he lacks any other effective moves or counters. His pass rush plan of attack is essentially “bull rush or bust” which can be thwarted by better linemen.

NFL Draft Bible: Van Ness loads power with his compressed lower body before exploding into the lineman. He successfully builds and maintains speed and momentum on stunts. The Iowa product’s powerful hands and upper body stun offensive linemen. He possesses strength throughout his frame and powerful leg drive. Van Ness dips and corners around the tackle’s outside shoulder, showing exciting bend.

Former NFL coach Chuck Pagano, 33rd Team: He gives you a lot of position flexibility. Van Ness’ upside is huge. He’s got a really high ceiling. He’s a redshirt sophomore so he’s a young player. All of his good football is in front of him. This is a big, powerful, strong, explosive player. You’re going to get great push from the interior pocket. You need interior push and this young man can certainly do that.