Lukas Van Ness was selected number 13 overall by the Green Bay Packers in the 2023 NFL draft. The team went defense again and is hoping that Van Ness can become a force on the line opposite Rashan Gary. Now that the draft is over, the first Defensive Rookie of the Year odds have been released and Van Ness has some surprising odds.
Lukas Van Ness Defensive Rookie Of The Year Odds
Van Ness has the sixth-best odds to win the award according to FanDuel Sportsbook. Considering how many thought about the pick, this is a little surprising. Here is the complete list of odds of the first-round
Will Anderson, edge, Texans +340
Jalen Carter, DT, Eagles +600
Tyree Wilson, edge, Raiders +750
Devon Witherspoon, CB, Seahawks +1100
Christian Gonzalez, CB, Patriots +1100
Lukas Van Ness, edge, Packers +1400.
Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Commanders +1700
Will McDonald, edge, Jets +2500
Van Ness is close with cornerbacks Witherspoon and Gonzalez while the odds-on favorite is Will Anderson. Hilariously, the Jets’ first-round pick is dead last in terms of odds for the award among the first-round defenders.
Could He Actually Win?
The value on the odds is pretty good. The Texans are horrible and Anderson could easily have a subpar season. Carter could get lost in a sea of Eagles pass rushers. He could have a good season but not get the exposure for the award. Van Ness could also come in and dominate. The physical tools are there and with Kenny Clark, Preston Smith, Devonte Wyatt, and Rashan Gary, Van Ness could see some one-on-one matchups against inferior linemen. If he can have a double-digit sack season, he should be right in the thick of the race for Defensive Player of the Year.
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It would be great for Lukas Van Ness to win the award. After everyone gave the Packers grief for not drafting a wide receiver, for them to pick the rookie of the year would be vindicating. This team is going to be fun to watch in 2023. The amount of young talent will give us a view of the future of the team.
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