Packers go with a 'safe' pick in the 2023 NFL Draft
The Green Bay Packers went with a bit of a safe selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. With the No. 13 overall pick in the draft, the Packers selected Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness. Van Ness totaled 13 sacks over the last two seasons for the Hawkeyes. Green Bay acquired […]
The Green Bay Packers went with a bit of a safe selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
With the No. 13 overall pick in the draft, the Packers selected Iowa edge rusher Lukas Van Ness.
Van Ness totaled 13 sacks over the last two seasons for the Hawkeyes.
Green Bay acquired the No. 13 pick in the trade earlier this week that sent Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets (the Jets received the No. 15 overall selection from the packers).
Here's the draft profile on Van Ness (via A to Z Sports' Tyler Browning): Van Ness has tremendous get-off, has a decent toolbox of pass rushing moves and plays with incredible power. Capable of two gapping against the run, and has good lateral mobility. Versatile defender. Can kick into 3 tech or play the edge. Not even 22 years old so the upside is tremendous.
Plenty of Packers fans were hoping for a wide receiver at this spot. The Packers, however, likely felt like the wide receivers in this class weren't worthy of being selected this high, which is a sentiment that several analysts have expressed during the pre-draft process.
Going with an edge rusher is always a "safe" move. It might not be a sexy pick, but it's a pick that will make the Packers a better team this fall.
