Packers sign first-round pick Lukas Van Ness to rookie contract

The Green Bay Packers have signed first-round pick Lukas Van Ness to his rookie contract, according to the NFL transaction wire. The terms of the contract have still yet to be announced.

Van Ness played on the defensive line the past two seasons at Iowa before the Packers selected him No. 13 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, there has been some speculation as to whether he could transition to linebacker in the NFL.

Standing 6-foot-5 and 272 pounds, Van Ness brings experience playing both defensive tackle and defensive end. He recorded 71 tackles (19.5 for loss) and 13.5 sacks during his career with the Hawkeyes. His versatility stood out to the Packers, as he can play a variety of different areas on the field.

“He possesses everything that we’re looking for. His height, weight, speed – all those tangible things,” Green Bay pass rush specialist Jason Rebrovich said. “He’s very open and he’s played multiple positions when he was in college, so he has a lot of good background with the things we’re asking him to do early on.”

Despite his abilities, Van Ness never cracked the starting lineup at Iowa. That allowed him to fly under the radar before the Packers surprised many by making him a first-round pick.

It’s not the first time Van Ness has seemingly come out of nowhere. He wasn’t a highly rated recruit, either, out of Barrington (IL). He was a three-star prospect and the No. 982 overall recruit in the nation from the 2020 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

With Van Ness now signed, the Packers have just two rookies who have yet to ink their first deals. Tight end Luke Musgrave and receiver Jayden Reed, both second-round picks, remain unsigned.

Green Bay is set to begin training camp on July 26, so expect deals for both to be worked out soon.

ESPN insider Rob Demovsky says Van Ness’ potential still uncertain

Van Ness’ production on the field will be easier to figure out once training camp begins. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky said in a recent article that he’s opening some eyes through non-contact practices and has gotten some run with the top units as Rashan Gary works his way back. However, it’s still hard to tell where exactly Van Ness fits into the scheme.

“Van Ness has shown both power and speed as a pass-rusher, but it’s nearly impossible to know if that will translate from non-padded and supposedly non-contact practices into the real thing,” Demovsky wrote. “But with Rashan Gary still rehabbing last season’s knee injury, Van Ness has gotten plenty of reps with the No. 1 and No. 2 defensive fronts.”

That in mind, it seems Van Ness is ready to play a big role in his first NFL season. The Packers begin preseason play Aug. 11 against the Bengals.

On3’s Nick Schultz contributed to this report.