A first round prospect who didn’t even start for his respective team, Lukas Van Ness is looking to take his massive ceiling and convert into success as he enters the 2023 NFL draft.
Here is everything you need to know about the Hawkeyes defensive front man:
Vitals
Height: 6-5
Weight: 272
Class: Sophomore
Strengths
A player who looks like he was built in a factory, Lukas Van Ness is physically and athletically imposing. While he never started a game with the Hawkeyes, he was a clear impact rotational player who got enough playing time to dominate in spurts and show that this is just scratching the surface of what he could be capable of. In his limited role, Van Ness wracked up seven sacks last season.
As a pass rusher, Van Ness uses his elite athleticism to speed into blockers and is excellent at converting that momentum into power with an also elite strength profile. While he is not the most technically refined rusher, he can win most matchups with raw talent, including a great edge bend, and has a functional pass rush toolbox including a nice spin move and lift. Van Ness is relentless in pursuit of the football and is good at cleaning up plays or making tackles at the second level, he goes full speed until the whistle goes and that is something that will stick with him at the next level.
As a run defender, Van Ness plays with good leverage and his lower leg strength allows him to stick on blockers attempting to move him back and patiently allow plays to come to him. He is excellent at disengaging from blocks with violent hands and pursuing the ball carrier, and will often make plays on runners on the opposite ends of the field. While not as clean as he is as a pass rusher, it is clear there is a lot of potential in Van Ness’s run-stuffing ability that is only helped by his athleticism and bend.
Weaknesses
It goes without saying that Van Ness is inexperienced at the position, with only two years of college football under his belt and none of it as a starter. There is a lot to work on and mold with him, but those foundational pieces are certainly unrefined. Working on consistently using better technique to complement his power and athleticism will be key in a league where the players are much more talented.
As a run defender, he can be thrown off balance and can be caught with his eyes in the backfield — missing cut blocks coming his way. This comes with experience and refinement, learning how to use your body to become more stable as a run stuffer and recognizing how offensive lines look to attack you.
Projection
Lukas Van Ness is a physical specimen who will likely blow up every pre-draft process. His tape is ultra tempting and you can see all the potential stimming from his rotational usage. Once he becomes more refined he could become a power house rusher from either the interior or exterior portion of the defensive line, and he will have little trouble starting right away given his physical ability. The inexperience and rawness will make a top 10 pick a bit too risky of an investment, but he shouldn’t go much later. Van Ness’s upside is just ridiculous.
Projection: Top 20 Pick
