As a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, I am eagerly anticipating the NFL draft and scanning the mock drafts to see who the team might select. One prospect that has caught my eye is Iowa EDGE, Lukas Van Ness. With his impressive size and strength, Van Ness has the potential to be a dominant pass rusher at the next level. The Buccaneers could use a player like him to add depth to their defensive line and help defend their Super Bowl title.
Introduction:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are looking to defend their Super Bowl title in the upcoming season. After a successful draft last year, the team is looking to add more depth to their roster, and one player they have their eyes on is Iowa EDGE, Lukas Van Ness.
Who is Lukas Van Ness?
Lukas Van Ness is a 6’5” EDGE rusher who played for the Iowa Hawkeyes for the past four years. He is known for his quickness off the line of scrimmage and his versatility in playing different positions on the defensive line. Van Ness was a three-star recruit out of high school and was recruited by Iowa in 2016.
Van Ness’ College Career:
Van Ness redshirted his freshman year and then played sparingly in his sophomore year. However, in his junior year, Van Ness emerged as a dominant force on the Hawkeyes’ defensive line. He started in nine games and racked up 28 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and one interception. He also had a memorable performance in the 2020 Outback Bowl, where he had three sacks and was named the game’s Most Valuable Player.
In his senior year, Van Ness continued to impress, starting in all eight of Iowa’s games in the shortened season due to the pandemic. He recorded 20 tackles, two sacks, and one forced fumble. Van Ness was named to the Second Team All-Big Ten.
What Makes Van Ness a Good Draft Target?
Van Ness’ quickness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to play different positions on the defensive line make him a valuable draft target for the Buccaneers. In addition to his pass-rushing skills, Van Ness is also a solid run defender and can drop back into coverage if needed. Van Ness’ versatility would allow the Buccaneers to use him in different packages, making it harder for opposing offenses to gameplan against.
Furthermore, Van Ness’ work ethic and leadership qualities have been praised by his coaches and teammates. He was a team captain in his senior year and is known for his hard work both on and off the field. Van Ness’ character and work ethic would fit in well with the Buccaneers’ locker room culture.
How Does Van Ness Fit into the Buccaneers’ Defensive Scheme?
The Buccaneers run a 3-4 defensive scheme, which requires edge rushers who can both rush the passer and set the edge against the run. Van Ness’ ability to play different positions on the defensive line and his solid run defense skills make him a good fit for the Buccaneers’ scheme.
The Buccaneers’ defense is also known for its aggressive playcalling, with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles often sending multiple pass rushers to get after the quarterback. Van Ness’ quickness off the line of scrimmage and his ability to shed blockers make him a good candidate to be one of those pass rushers.
Potential Draft Position and Impact
Van Ness is projected to be drafted in the mid to late rounds, with some draft experts predicting him to go as high as the fourth or fifth round. If the Buccaneers were to draft Van Ness, he would likely start off as a rotational player, getting some playing time on obvious pass-rushing downs.
However, with his versatility and work ethic, Van Ness could quickly work his way up the depth chart and become a core player on the Buccaneers’ defense. Given the Buccaneers’ focus on depth and versatility, Van Ness would be an ideal fit for the team.
Conclusion
The Buccaneers are looking to defend their Super Bowl title in the upcoming season, and adding depth to their roster is a priority. Iowa EDGE, Lukas Van Ness, is a talented and versatile player who would be a good fit for the Buccaneers’ defensive scheme. With his quickness off the line of scrimmage, solid run defense skills, and ability to play different positions on the defensive line, Van Ness would be a valuable addition to the team. If the Buccaneers were to draft Van Ness, he could quickly become a core player on the defense and help the team defend their title.
