KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Green Bay Packers selected Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness No. 13 overall Thursday night in the 2023 NFL Draft.
In just 27 games played for the Hawkeyes, Van Ness made his case for being a first-rounder in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a redshirt freshman, he recorded 33 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and a team-high 7 sacks. This past season, he posted 38 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks.
"This guy shows me a lot of movement, flexibility along the line of scrimmage. You get him into some sub and nickel packers and he's rushing over guards and he's dominating there," said NFL Network Draft Analyst Charles Davis. "But I think his best is ahead of him because I think he's still developing as a player."
Van Ness (6'5", 272 lbs) is known for being a powerful run-stopper and pass-rusher. Upon entering the NFL, he's looking to make the transition from defensive lineman to edge rusher.
"I really think the versatility he brings as a prospect is something that NFL teams covet," said ESPN College Football Senior Writer Pete Thamel. "He's obviously established himself as a productive rush end. He's played over the nose and he really could be a 3-4 outside linebacker. So that's the type of toy defensive coordinators at the next level really appreciate."
- 6'5", 272 lbs
- 34" Arms, 11" Hands
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.58 seconds
- 10-yard Split: 1.64 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 31"
- Broad Jump: 9'10"
- 3-Cone Drill: 7.02 seconds
- 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.32 seconds
- Bench Press: 17 reps
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YouTube Shorts: Get to know Lukas Van Ness