Steelers fans won't like the new name circulating mocks at 17th overall.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to make their first selection under the new regime of Omar Khan and Andy Weidl at GM and assistant GM respectively. The pick will be one that lasts, as we know what they say about first impressions. Pair that with the pressures of seeing if you have a true franchise […]
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to make their first selection under the new regime of Omar Khan and Andy Weidl at GM and assistant GM respectively. The pick will be one that lasts, as we know what they say about first impressions.
Pair that with the pressures of seeing if you have a true franchise quarterback in Kenny Pickett, and the idea that this team is only a few pieces away from a true run, and you see how pick 17 becomes even more important.
So when Chad Reuter of NFL.Com released his latest seven-round mock, I approved of most of his choices, but the one that mattered the most, couldn't have been much worse given the player and position.
Lukas Van Ness, Edge, Iowa
To set the record straight, I think Van Ness is a good player and will be a good pro, evident by the tweet and the grade I have given him. But if the Steelers are great at any position, it's edge. Not to mention Van Ness would be a bit of a project, making this a head-shaking selection in my opinion.
Here is my full evaluation of Van Ness:
One Liner:
A hulking power rusher that needs to develop his overall plan.
Evaluation:
Sturdy build with good length. Broad-shouldered with a more linear lower half. Has played from 1 technique out to a 5. Decent get off and upfield explosion off the ball.
Power rusher with heavy hands and a bull rush to threaten anchors. Quickness off the ball can startle guards when he’s aligned as a 2i. Heavy for an even front, light for an odd.
A stiffer athlete who struggles with change of direction. Little to no bend or “juice” as a pass rusher. Very immature pass-rush plan. Seemingly power only. Doesn’t use his hands and seldom works a move.
Can be out-leveraged as a run defender. Nifty runners can easily erase pursuit angles due to his tightness. Never started in college.
Summary:
Van Ness has the measurable’s and testing to be an elite power rusher in the NFL. He can convert quickness off the ball to backfield disruption via the run and pass. The problem is, he’s too stiff to live on the edge but would need to add 15-20 pounds to live inside on odd fronts. Overall, Van Ness needs time to develop into a producing player, both physically and with his technique.
