Lukas Van Ness Could Be Saints Target in First-Round Trade

New Orleans rarely sits tight in the first round, often aggressively moving up for a specific target. This Iowa playmaker might just be that target if the Saints trade up tonight.

In 2021, the New Orleans Saints registered 46 sacks, 113 QB hits, and were also among the league leaders in pressures. Defensive ends were responsible for 29.5 of those sacks. Last year, the Saints recorded 48 sacks, but just 18.5 coming from their defensive ends. The team was also among the bottom of the league in hurries and pressures. 

Cam Jordan is still playing at a high level, but will also be 34 and entering his 13th season. Marcus Davenport departed in free agency after the most disappointing output of his career. Carl Granderson and Tanoh Kpassagnon are good contributors, but not Pro Bowl-level players. Payton Turner, a first-round pick in 2021, has done absolutely nothing in two seasons. 

New Orleans swapped three choices to move up and select Davenport with the 14th overall pick in 2018. Turner was the 28th overall choice two years ago. Many expect the Saints to use another high draft pick at the position in 2023.

Northwestern's Adetomiwa Adebawore, Isaiah Foskey of Notre Dame, and Clemson's Myles Murphy are all possibilities at Number 29, where the Saints are scheduled to pick in the first round. 

New Orleans, who is always aggressive in the draft, has been rumored to possibly trade up in the first for Pitt DT Calijah Kancey. Murphy may also require a trade up to acquire. Here's another defensive end to watch if the Saints move up in the first night of the draft. 

DE - Lukas Van Ness

Iowa (So.)

6'5" 272-Lbs.

Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (91) pressures Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Brandon Peters (18). Mandatory Credit: Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

After redshirting as a true freshman in 2020, Van Ness did not officially start a game for the Hawkeyes in the last two seasons. Yet, he still earned among the most snaps among Iowa defenders for one of the most rugged units in the country. 

Van Ness tied for the Hawkeyes lead with 7 sacks in 2021 while adding 8.5 tackles for loss. He'd earn 2nd Team All-Big 10 honors in 2022 with 6.5 sacks and 11 tackles for loss.

At the NFL Scouting Combine Van Ness put on a show. A 40 time of 4.58 ranked at the top of participating defensive ends, while his 10-yard split (1.64), 3-cone drill (7.02), and 20-yard shuttle (4.32) all ranked in the upper percentile at the position. 

Lack of experience is probably the most consistent knock on Van Ness with just two years as a rotational player. This inexperience is evident in his hand usage, where he can be locked up by more savvy blockers. He'll also have to improve his block recognition ability, especially against the run, but that should come with experience. 

Like most young players, Van Ness will have to expand his counter moves when his initial rush is stalled. He'll also need to strengthen his base against the run a little better along the edge. Iowa used Van Ness as an inside rusher at times, but he'll need to add bulk to be effective in that role on the next level. 

Despite his inexperience, Van Ness has a lot of polish in his game. His blend of length, strength, and agility will give offenses fits. He shows good natural instincts when reacting to blockers, giving him nice upside. His spin move and burst past tackles is impressive, but he also has the strength for a lethal bull rush.

Van Ness has a tremendous motor on every play that starts with an instant explosion at the snap. He attacks with good leverage in spite of his height and has outstanding bend and speed around outside blockers. Against the run, Van Ness already has good lower-body strength that makes him difficult to move.

Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Lukas Van Ness (91) sacks Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O'Connell (16). Noe Padilla/Journal and Courier / USA TODAY NETWORK

Lukas Van Ness has been projected as high as a top-12 pick and it's difficult to see him slipping past the lower-20s. He's a well-rounded defender that has a high floor, but also the skills to give him All-Pro upside. He'll be an instant contributor for a rotation, but has the ability to be an immediate starter. 

New Orleans has traded up nine times in 21 drafts since Mickey Loomis became general manager in 2002. If the Saints trade up in this year’s first round, Van Ness could very well be that target to provide a devastating 1-2 punch with Cam Jordan along the edge. 

Saints Mock Draft 2.0

Saints Mock Draft 1.0

Saints 2023 Draft Prospect: Myles Murphy