FONTANA — What a better place for the Packers first-round pick to spend NFL draft night than in Wisconsin?

Iowa defensive end Lukas 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.

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.