A three-star recruit coming out of high school was just drafted in the first round of the NFL draft. He played for a dangerous defense in Iowa and could potentially grow into a dangerous edge rusher at the professional level. The tools are there, can the Packers unlock his true potential?
Lukas Van Ness scouting report
Position: EDGE
School: Iowa (R-Soph)
Measurables: 6'5, 272 lbs.
Combine notes: 4.58 40 yard dash (10th fastest DE). Second fastest 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle.
Where he wins: Interior strength and the ability to bull rush off the edge
Areas for improvement: Needs to fine tune his unrefined physical tools.
He was selected for the second team All-Big Ten even though he did not start a game in 2022. The fact he couldn't crack the Hawkeye starting defense is a touch worrisome but not enough for many scouts to grade him out as a first round talent.
Obligatory Lukas Van Ness Highlight Reel
3 facts you probably didn't know about Lukas Van Ness
A potential number-one overall pick for the next season of Netflix's Physical 100, his Iowa teammates had one nickname for the 275-lb dude with a six-pack: Hercules.
Is dating Chicago tight end Cole Kmet's younger sister. Which is very funny to me and only me.
He once went surfing in his graduation robe. Which is way cooler than it sounds.
How does Lukas Van Ness fit in with the X TEAM?
As a Packers fan, this kinda stinks. I hope he turns into a player worthy of the number 13 overall selection and he will certainly have opportunity to as Rashan Gary and Preston Smith will not be long for this Lambeau World. I wanted something more out of this pick however. Maybe, just maybe, a dude who started in college. This is making up for missing on Hawkeyes past.
