Cowboys Country

NFL Mock: Cowboys Draft Top DE Lukas Van Ness for 'Upside'

The Dallas Cowboys have a deep front seven, but could they still target one of the best defensive linemen in the draft at No. 27?

Jeremy Brener

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The clock is ticking as the NFL Draft draws closer and closer, and the Dallas Cowboys have big decisions to make.

While America's Team could make a splash on offense and take Texas running back Bijan Robinson or USC wide receiver Jordan Addison, there's always a need for pass rush.

Sports Illustrated projects that the Cowboys select Iowa defensive end Lukas Van Ness with the No. 27 pick.

"Van Ness deployed from two and three-point stances," SI writes. "The All-Big Ten selection blocked two punts versus Iowa State this past season. His motor runs hot no matter what role he’s playing. Van Ness displays exceptional ankle flexibility and lower body looseness for his size, which translates to above-average agility."

Van Ness would likely plug into the role that Dante Fowler Jr. had last season. Fowler Jr. recorded 27 tackles and six sacks while playing all 17 games, but he's testing free agency this offseason and may not sign with the team.

After the top tier of pass rushers that is projected to go in the top 10, Van Ness is one of the best in that second group and is still worthy of a first-round pick.

"He has some real power, he has some real twitch, and he is just figuring out what he is doing," NFL Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah said. "I think you can -- you have a good player right now, and you can chase some of the upside with him as well."

There might be other needs for the Cowboys, but Dallas should be operating as a team that needs the best player available, and if Van Ness is still on the board at No. 27, there won't be too many options better than him.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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