Packers select Lukas Van Ness in 1st round to bolster defense

The Green Bay Packers selected Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, 13th overall.

It's the third straight year that the Packers addressed their defense in the first round. They picked cornerback Eric Stokes in 2021 and selected linebacker Quay Walker and defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt in 2022. Quarterback Jordan Love - No. 20 in 2020 - is the only offensive player Green Bay has picked in the first round since 2012.

Van Ness amassed 70 tackles (19 for loss) and 13 sacks across two seasons at Iowa.

The 21-year-old will join a Green Bay defense that registered only 34 sacks last year, the fifth-lowest mark in the NFL. The Packers, who are set to kick off a new era after trading Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets, also roster edge rushers Rashan Gary and Preston Smith, among others.

Green Bay originally had the 15th overall pick but acquired the No. 13 selection as part of the Rodgers deal.

Pre-draft profile

Looking at the tape, Van Ness was a player utilized in multiple roles at Iowa while never being a true starter. It may sound weird that he's a heralded prospect, but peering into a crystal ball shows his future team hoping he develops into the total package. There's no denying that he'll need some work due to his inexperience while finding a true fit for his tweener-like build. On the flip side, Van Ness' rawness gives him a gigantic ceiling. His explosiveness, bull rush, and strength in run defense served as teasers for what might be yet to come. A lengthy pass-rusher who can also shift inside, it'll be a worthwhile project for his future employer to try molding Van Ness to their liking.