EDGE Lukas Van Ness is a unique prospect with a multitude of top-notch traits. He played as a three-technique before moving to EDGE his Sophomore year. Even playing inside at 270 lbs, Van Ness showed he could hold his own in run defense. He is overrated because he is a one-trick pony as a pass-rusher. While he has potential, what a player can bring on day one is what’s most ultimately important. With that being said, he has the traits to develop into a terrific player.
Two all-22 games and two more regular games were evaluated. This scouting report includes grades on all relevant traits based on his film. His scouting report also factored in stats and analytics, such as PFF grades. Use promo code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Please gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.
| Profile |
|---|
| 5th EDGE / 1-2 RD | 6’5 / 272 | Class – RS-SO | College – Iowa |
| Pro Comparison |
|---|
| N/A |
| Scheme |
|---|
| 4-3/ 4-3 Hybrid Defensive End |
D-line Stats
2022:
PR – 46
SK – 9
TKL – 37
TFL – 10.5
2021:
PR – 28
SK – 4
TKL – 33
TFL – 8.5
Clip Analysis
In this clip above, Van Ness shows his bull rush’s effectiveness. This is against Paris Johnson Jr., a top Tackle in this class, and he drives him back a solid two yards.
Here he quickly recognizes the run play and sheds a block with ease. This was against Dawand Jones, another NFL-caliber Tackle.
This is an excellent example of how Van Ness can covert speed to power. This is a simple bull rush, but he leverages his explosiveness off the snap very well and drives the tackle back.
Grades
Traits/ Skills (see bottom of the page for scale)
Each trait/attribute is graded 1-7.
| Traits | Immediate | Potential |
| SPD | 6 | 6 |
| ACC | 6 | 6 |
| AGI | 4.5 | 4.8 |
| STR | 6.2 | 6.4 |
| SIZ | 6 | 6 |
| GET | 5.8 | 6.4 |
| BND | 4.5 | 5.2 |
| IQ | 3.5 | 5.2 |
| INS | 4 | 5.4 |
| PWM | 4.8 | 6.6 |
| FNM | 3.2 | 5 |
| BKS | 4.5 | 5.8 |
| TAC | 3.8 | 5.8 |
| PUR | 4.8 | 5.8 |
| COV | 3.5 | 5 |
| EDGE Key | EDGE Key Cont. |
|---|---|
| SPD – Speed ACC – Acceleration AGI – Agility STR – Strength SIZ – Size/ Length GET – Get-off BND – Bend IQ – Football IQ | INS – Instincts PWM – Power Moves FNM – Finesse Moves BKS – Block Shedding TAC – Tackling PUR – Pursuit COV – Coverage |
Player Notes
- Lukas Van Ness is a unique defensive end with an elite combo of get-off and strength. His bull rush knocks the socks off O-lineman, but he’s limited beyond that. He is currently ranked 27th on The FBI 2023 Draft Board.
Pros
- An explosive first step with fluid hips.
- Has a well-built frame with long arms.
- Generates momentum quickly and can convert speed to power.
- Gets tremendous leverage with his hands as a bull rusher.
- Flashed the ability to rip and cross-chop.
- Has the versatility to play inside as a pass rusher.
- The ideal combination of instincts and a high-level motor.
- Has extremely powerful hands and shows ‘pop’ in run defense.
- Offers an excellent anchor even against guards and while he was double-teamed.
Cons
- Rarely ever went to any pass rush move besides the bull rush.
- Could grow to get more consistent in the run game.
- His lateral quickness limits his upside as a speed rusher and when he’s used on twists.
- Still shows no use of counter moves.
- Isn’t the most effective pass rusher; he likely won’t ever rack up a bunch of sacks.
- Was only a rotational player and is still very raw.
Final Conclusion
Despite having a stellar ability to bull rush and having plus run defense skills, he is not a true first-round prospect. He is raw and will take some time to become a truly impactful player. It’s not like he has a superstar upside, either, due to his lack of versatility as an athlete. Overall, he is a great candidate to bet on in the late first/ early second area.
Combine
40 yd: 4.58
10 yd: 1.64
Shuttle: 4.32
3 cone: 7.02
Broad: 9’10”
Vertical: 31″
Bench: 17
Arm Length:34
Hand Size: 11
Scales And Keys
Grading Key
POT – Potential: players’ highest upside
IMP – Impact: player’s immediate impact
Stats Key
PR – Pressures
SK – Sacks
TKL – Tackles
TFL – Tackles for loss
| Draft Grade Formula | |
| Age: 21-22: | POT=(30%) IMP=(70%) |
| Age: 23-24: | POT=(28%) IMP=(72%) |
| Age:-25+: | POT=(26%) IMP=(74%) |
| Good/ bad character: | POT=(+2%/-2%) IMP=(-2%/+2%) |
| Injury: | POT=(-1%) in increments |
| OVR Grade Weight: |
|---|
| Pass Rush=75% Run Defense=25% |
| Individual trait scale (1-7): |
|---|
| 7 – Rare world-class skill; best in the league and no room for improvement | 6 – Great-elite skill; one of the best at that given trait but still has some room to improve | 5 – Very good; above average and has potential to be elite | 4 – Average; able to suffice but, not ideal long-term | 3 – Below average; able to suffice at college level | 2 – Poor; hinders overall play and is a liability to the team | 1 – Awful; not good enough to play given position at any level above D2 | Note: Consistency plays a large factor. |
| Overall Draft grade scale (15-100): |
|---|
| 84 – Perfect prospect | 81 – Bluechip prospect | 80 – Likely all-pro | 79 – Day one quality starter or superstar potential | 78 – Day one starter w/ all-pro upside | 77 – Day one starter w/ high-end upside | 76 – Day One Starter | 75 – Boom or bust | 74 – Will become quality starter within 2-3 years | 73 – Boom or bust (high risk) | 72 – Will become starter within 2-3 years |
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