Lukas Van Ness – Edge – 21 – RS Sophomore – Iowa
Height: 1m96
Weight: 125kg
Estimated draft position: 10-25
2022 stats: 36 tackles, 6.5 sacks
NFL Comparison: Trey Hendrickson
Strong points
– Physical
– Potential
– Versatility
Every year, a physical phenomenon makes recruiters dizzy and makes observers talk. Lukas Van Ness is the fantasy of the 2023 vintage. Spoiled by the gifts given to him by Mother Nature, the prospect from Iowa is nicknamed Hercules. That says a lot about his abilities. His excellent combination with a particular 4.58 at 40 yards confirmed it. Explosive from the snap, and super powerful, he easily takes the upper hand thanks to this physical superiority and thanks to ultra violent and precise hands. Such donations suggest an almost limitless ceiling. And this is what intrigues and seduces the most. Productive and impactful despite playing time and limited experience, there is enough to salivate over the possibilities in the hands of an NFL staff.
Capable of playing both on the outside as a pure pass rusher, or inside the line in a 3-4 defense, Van Ness offers ideal versatility in the modern NFL. Whether it’s speed or power, he can perform in both positions. Ideal for creating uncertainty and vagueness about his intentions before the face-off. Efficient to chase the quarterback or to defend against the run, his profile, although to be perfected, is a dream for defensive coordinators.
Weak points
– Experience
– Technical set
Van Ness is only two seasons in college, but above all no match as a starter. Unlikely for a player expected in the 1st round. And yet, the Hawkeyes player hinted at his potential on a limited playing time. A limitation to a role of impact player who can question his possible ability to evolve over the duration of a match. If a team like Iowa which does not play the leading roles in the NCAA limits its use, it is difficult to imagine Van Ness starting in the NFL from week 1 of the next season.
It must be said that the 21-year-old remains particularly raw. Relying mainly on his physical abilities and strength, his technique is limited solely to the use of this strength. At the higher level, this will no longer be sufficient. His future vis-à-vis experienced in NFL games will be much more solid. Van Ness will have to work on his panoply of movements to gain efficiency. Reaching its full potential will take time.
Possible destinations
New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens
Although he will certainly be able to impose himself in 4-3 defenses, the full potential that Van Ness has to offer should be fully expressed in a 3-4 scheme with flexible line-ups and players. Fond of versatile players, Bill Belichick and the Patriots could certainly offer a playground and development conducive to the future rookie. In search of reinforcement on the line, whether alongside Kenny Clark inside or as a future successor to Preston Smith outside, Green Bay could be seduced by this enormous potential.
Recent rumors about Khalil Mack’s future at the Chargers could materialize over draft weekend and with the selection of his replacement.
