Las Vegas Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: A QB1 at pick No. 7
Las Vegas Raiders 7-round 2023 NFL Mock Draft: A QB1 at pick No. 7
38. player. 878. . EDGE. Hawkeyes . Lukas Van Ness
After grabbing the QB of the future, the Raiders use the 38th overall pick on another position of need in edge rusher Lukas Van Ness out of Iowa. Chandler Jones had some moments last year and a big game or two but for the most part he has been a disappointment and the Raiders need major help at rushing the passer.
Van Ness is a similar player to Maxx Crosby in that he relies on physicality, a killer spin move, and an unstoppable motor to take over games. He has solid physical tools at 6-5 and 265 lbs while running a 4.81 40 with some room to grow and add muscle to his frame.
In 26 games at Iowa, Van Ness has 19 tackles for loss and 13 sacks with 70 tackles to boot. He has the power to hold up against the run and has enough moves in his arsenal to rush the passer at the next level as well. Learning from Jones and Crosby will be a great help and he can become a perfect situational pass rusher until he develops into an every-down player.
We may see the Raiders look for a pure pass rusher with this pick but they are happy to take Van Ness and the toughness he brings to the position. He would make a nice pair with Crosby as edge rushers that also aren’t afraid to mix it up in the run game.