A look at how Lukas Van Ness fits in with the Green Bay Packers
Welcome to Green Bay, Lukas Van Ness!
The now former Iowa Hawkeyes defensive end has his new home, and it will be in the legendary Lambeau Field while donning the green and gold. Van Ness was selected by the Green Bay Packers at No. 13 in the first round of the 2023 NFL draft.
Round: 1 | Pick: 13@lukas_vanness ➡️ @packers #NFLHawks x #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/TWZ3sHoqOx
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) April 28, 2023
After a dominant career at Iowa, Van Ness put on a clinic at the NFL Combine where he tested out of this world and proved to teams that he has the ability to perform at the next level. His draft stock was always trending upward and it came to fruition as Green Bay is now Van Ness’ new home.
While the dust settles and excitement ensues, Van Ness will surely bring the Iowa mentality and be ready to work. Here is a look into the new landing spot, how Van Ness fits into the Packers’ scheme, along with a recap on his time at Iowa.
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Draft pick
With the 13th pick in the 2023 #NFLDraft, the #Packers select Iowa LB Lukas Van Ness!#PackersDraft | @meijer pic.twitter.com/rxng9Rjna1
— Green Bay Packers (@packers) April 28, 2023
The dream coming true
Dreams realized.
📺 @nflnetwork#NFLHawks x #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/4joS8v2RlN
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) April 28, 2023
Packers' depth chart
Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Packers’ current depth chart:
LDE:
RDE:
DT:
Jonathon Ford
How he fits in
Syndication: The Des Moines Register
As the Packers’ defensive line depth chart shows, they are razor thin across the defensive line. They need help at both ends and someone who can slide inside when asked.
Lukas Van Ness doesn’t just fit in at the defensive end for the Packers. He fits in at all of the positions on the defensive front. He can slide inside if needed and pash rush when asked.
In a division that has the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings—all of whom want to run the ball—Van Ness is an immediate answer to slow those running games.
Iowa career
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Iowa stats:
2021-22: 14 games played, 33 total tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7 sacks
2022-23: 13 games played, 38 total tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks
Total: 27 games, 71 total tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 13.5 sacks
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