GREEN BAY — With the 13th pick in the 2023 NFL draft, the Green Bay Packers have selected Lukas Van Ness, defensive end/linebacker, Iowa.
Van Ness will be an important piece on the defensive side of the new-look Packers who will likely be led by QB Jordan Love following the trade this week to the New York Jets of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.
Van Ness, a Barrington, Illinois, native, said during his introductory phone call with the media that he spent the night with extended family at his parents second home in Fontana, which is near Lake Geneva in southern Wisconsin
Van Ness was the 13th overall pick in the draft after the Packers swapped first-round picks as part of the Aaron Rodgers trade.
Although he never started a game at Iowa, he said he obviously was happy with his decision to enter the draft.
“It’s always been my goal to play at the highest level, and I went for it,” Van Ness said.
After celebrating with family, Van Ness is expected to travel to Green Bay for his official introductory news conference.
