Lions can find important pass rush help in Iowa EDGE Lukas Van Ness
Van Ness can help the Lions get one step closer to the postseason in 2023
Since Dan Campbell has become the head coach of the Detroit Lions, one thing has become abundantly clear: They want to win in the trenches.
The proof is on paper. Campbell's has spent the top pick in each of his first two drafts on players in the trenches. First, it was Penei Sewell in 2021. Next, Aidan Hutchinson in 2022.
Oh, and the first three picks in the 2021 draft were all spent on trench players, as well.
In all, five of Campell's first six picks (a pick in each of the first three rounds in 2021 and 2022) have been spent on trench players.
Despite all these picks on trench players, the Lions still have one glaring issue in the trenches: the opposite defensive end position from Aidan Hutchinson.
Luckily, there are a number of options in this upcoming draft for the Lions to choose from. If they are set on adding another player in the trenches, of course.
Today we are talking about Iowa EDGE, Lukas Van Ness.
Van Ness is one of the most intriguing players in the class, and the opinions are differing on him.
For my money, he is a borderline top-10 player in this entire class.
Van Ness brings the versatility to play inside or outside, he has lateral mobility, incredible explosive ability off of the snap, has multiple pass rush moves, has immense power to his game.
Oh and he's only 21.
And, Van Ness will be on a rookie contract, so he'll come cheap. Meaning, he could provide a very valuable service for a low cost, which allows the Lions to be more flexible when it comes to using up the $22.1 million they have in cap space.
Pairing Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston with someone like Van Ness would be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Hutchinson led all rookies in sacks last year with 9.5 total sacks.
The second-leading sack leader was James Houston by the way, another Detroit Lion.
Van Ness makes the Detroit Lions front 7 quite versatile. He and Hutchinson can play edge at any given time. On passing scenarios, you can kick Van Ness inside at 3 technique and have Hutchinson and Houston rushing from the outside. A versatile front like that is sure to give offensive coordinators worrisome nights ahead of matchups.
And, it's enough to help the Lions get one step closer to a playoff berth.
Featured image via © George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
