Iowa Edge Rusher Lukas Van Ness: ‘I’ll Play Wherever a Coach Needs Me to Play'

Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness spoke to media members at the NFL Combine on Wednesday about his time at Iowa, what he learned based on playing multiple positions and what he can bring to the next level.

INDIANAPOLIS - Lukas Van Ness, one of the top edge rushers in the 2023 class, spoke candidly on Wednesday morning at the NFL Combine about his experiences while playing for the University of Iowa and the things he learned that could translate to the next level.

Van Ness, who's been projected as the Tennessee Titans' pick at No. 11 in a few different mock drafts, mentioned playing both defensive tackle and defensive end and how he believes he can play anywhere along the defensive line.

"I think I have the ability to play all over the defensive line," Van Ness said. "Last year, I played defensive tackle, and this year I played a bit more defensive end."

Van Ness's versatility is unique, and he believes it could greatly benefit him at the next level.

"I believe I bring everything to the table in terms of playing the run and the pass," Van Ness said. "I'll play wherever a coach needs me to play."

When asked who he models his game after most, Van Ness didn't hesitate.

"A guy I loved watching Sundays was J.J. Watt, Van Ness said. "Although he's not playing anymore, he was still a guy I loved turning on the tape every Sunday and watching his game and trying to model myself after him."

With his experience playing inside, Van Ness also spoke on how he could translate parts of what he learned when transitioning to more of an outside rusher this past season.

"Everything happens a little faster inside," Van Ness said. "You've got to be better with your hands, a little lower with your pad level. It taught me all the fundamentals of playing good defensive line. I think that really translated to my outside play."

Van Ness made sure to thank multiple coaches as well as Iowa for the kind of program and culture they have in place.

"At the University of Iowa, we played in a really pro style defense," Van Ness said. "They're really based on fundamentals, playing the game the right way. You have a responsibility, execute your responsibility."

"Even when I came to the University of Iowa as a freshman, I resonated with the program just 'cause of the foundation and culture they have," Van Ness continued. "You come in and it's blue collar and you work hard. Nothing's given to you, everything's earned, and those are the a lot of the qualities I'll bring with me to the next level."