Early Life & Background

Cole Van Lanen was born and raised in Green Bay, Wisconsin—a city deeply ingrained in the culture of football, home to the storied Green Bay Packers. Growing up in a region where the sport is not just entertainment but a way of life, Van Lanen was immersed in the game from a young age. His connection to the sport was further strengthened by his proximity to NFL activity, as Green Bay is one of the most football-centric cities in the country. While detailed accounts of his early family life have not been widely publicized, it is clear that his upbringing in such an environment played a pivotal role in shaping his athletic identity and ambition.

Green Bay’s football culture, with its emphasis on fundamentals, teamwork, and relentless work ethic, likely influenced Van Lanen’s approach to the game. His physical development as a teenager would have been nurtured in local football programs, where high school athletics serve as a crucial pipeline to college football and, potentially, the NFL. The city’s rich football heritage, combined with the intense competitive environment of high school sports in Wisconsin, provided a fertile ground for a young athlete with the size and potential to pursue offensive line play at the highest levels.

High School Career

Cole Van Lanen attended Green Bay West High School, a public institution known for its competitive football program and tradition of producing talented athletes. While comprehensive statistics from his high school tenure are not readily available in public records, his profile as a high school offensive tackle was sufficiently impressive to attract the attention of college recruiters. Standing at 6’5” even in his teenage years, Van Lanen possessed the prototypical frame of an NFL offensive lineman, which made him an attractive prospect for programs seeking to develop future pass protectors and run blockers.

During his time at Green Bay West, Van Lanen would have been a key component of the school’s offensive line, tasked with protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for his teammates. High school offensive tackles in Wisconsin often face rigorous defensive schemes designed to test their technique and physicality, a challenge that helps prepare them for the demands of college football. His performance in such an environment would have demonstrated his ability to handle pressure, maintain technique under duress, and contribute to a cohesive offensive unit.

Given the competitive nature of high school football in Wisconsin—a state known for producing NFL-caliber linemen—Van Lanen’s development during this period would have been closely monitored by scouting services. His listed weight of 312 pounds by the time he entered the NFL suggests he was already carrying significant mass in high school, a trait that would have made him a dominant force at the point of attack. While specific accolades or honors are not publicly documented, his eventual selection in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars indicates that college programs viewed him as a projectable talent with untapped potential.

College Career

Cole Van Lanen attended Wisconsin.

NFL Draft

Cole Van Lanen was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft with the 214th overall pick. The selection came as a part of Jacksonville’s strategy to build depth along the offensive line, a unit that had been a point of emphasis for the franchise in the years leading up to the draft. Coming out of college—despite limited publicly available information about his collegiate career—Van Lanen was viewed as a developmental prospect with the physical tools to compete at the NFL level.

At the time of the draft, scouting reports on Van Lanen highlighted his size, strength, and potential upside as an offensive tackle. His 6’5”, 312-pound frame was considered ideal for an NFL offensive lineman, and his presence in Green Bay likely provided him with early exposure to high-level football intellect through the Packers’ system and culture. While his college career data was not widely circulated, his selection in the sixth round suggested that teams saw him as a developmental prospect who could benefit from NFL coaching and strength programs.

The Jaguars, under the direction of head coach Urban Meyer and general manager Trent Baalke, were in the midst of a roster rebuild. The franchise had struggled with offensive line consistency in previous seasons, and drafting Van Lanen was part of an effort to address that need through the draft. While early-round picks are typically reserved for immediate contributors, the sixth round is often where teams take fliers on athletes with raw potential, banking on their ability to develop under professional coaching.

Professional Career

As of the time of this writing, Cole Van Lanen has not appeared in a regular season NFL game. Drafted in 2021, he spent his rookie season on the Jaguars’ practice squad, a common path for developmental offensive linemen who need additional time to refine their skills and adapt to the speed of the professional game. Practice squad assignments allow young players to absorb NFL schemes, build strength, and develop the mental aspects of the game—such as recognition of defensive fronts and blitz packages—without the immediate pressure of game-day performance.

The Jaguars’ offensive line room has undergone significant changes since Van Lanen’s arrival, with the franchise investing in veteran leadership and talent along the trench. Players like Cam Robinson and Jawaan Taylor have anchored the unit, while younger players such as Walker Little have vied for opportunities. In such an environment, competition for snaps is fierce, and young linemen often require multiple seasons to earn a role on game day.

Given the physical demands of NFL offensive tackle play, Van Lanen’s development has likely focused on reinforcing his technique, footwork, and hand placement—areas that are critical for protecting the quarterback’s blind side. The Jaguars’ coaching staff, led by offensive line coach Phil Rauscher, would have prioritized molding Van Lanen into a reliable reserve who could step in during emergency situations or provide depth during injuries.

While no statistics or game logs are available to assess his professional performance, the lack of appearances suggests that he has yet to break into the active roster permanently. This is not uncommon for sixth-round draft picks, particularly offensive linemen, who often require seasoning before they are deemed ready for regular-season duty. The Jaguars’ decision to retain him on the practice squad or reserve list indicates that they still view him as a viable project rather than a lost cause.

Playing Style & Strengths

Cole Van Lanen’s playing style and strengths are best understood through the lens of his physical attributes and the typical expectations for an NFL offensive tackle. At 6’5” and 312 pounds, he possesses the size and length to anchor against powerful defensive ends and to seal running lanes in the run game. His weight distribution and core strength would be critical assets in maintaining balance against bull rushes, a common challenge for rookie offensive linemen.

As a pass protector, Van Lanen’s strengths likely lie in his ability to use his length to keep defenders at bay and his footwork to mirror edge rushers. Offensive tackles in the NFL are often evaluated on their ability to set a firm base, redirect defensive linemen, and maintain inside leverage to prevent them from reaching the quarterback. His technique in pass protection—particularly in handling speed-to-power rusher transitions—would be an area of focus for his development.

In the run game, Van Lanen’s size and lower-body strength would make him a viable candidate for zone-blocking schemes, where offensive linemen are tasked with working in unison to create vertical seams. His ability to generate movement at the point of attack and climb to the second level would be critical in an era where NFL offenses increasingly rely on the running game to complement their passing attacks. The Jaguars’ offense, which has incorporated elements of both zone and gap schemes under head coach Doug Pederson, would benefit from a tackle who can adapt to multiple blocking philosophies.

One of Van Lanen’s potential strengths is his versatility. While he was drafted as an offensive tackle, his size and technique suggest that he could potentially project to guard should the need arise. Versatility is a highly valued trait in NFL offensive lines, as it allows teams to shuffle players based on matchups or injury situations. If he can develop the necessary functional strength and hand placement to anchor inside, he could become a valuable depth piece capable of playing multiple positions along the line.

Defensively, offensive tackles are often evaluated on their ability to handle speed and power rushes. Van Lanen’s development in these areas would be crucial, particularly in pass-heavy divisions where edge rushers like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett routinely test the mettle of offensive linemen. His success in the NFL will likely hinge on his ability to refine his technique, improve his recovery speed when beaten, and maintain consistency in his assignments.

Personal Life

Details regarding Cole Van Lanen’s personal life are limited in public records, reflecting a common trend among NFL players who tend to keep their off-field activities private. Born and raised in Green Bay, it is reasonable to infer that he has maintained connections to the community and may have been influenced by the city’s strong football culture.

Green Bay’s tight-knit community and its emphasis on family values would have played a role in shaping Van Lanen’s character. The city’s support for the Packers extends beyond game days, with local businesses, schools, and charitable organizations often collaborating with the team to benefit residents. While there is no public information about Van Lanen’s involvement in such initiatives, his upbringing in such an environment suggests that he may have been instilled with values of hard work, community engagement, and humility.

Athletes from smaller cities often develop a strong sense of local pride, and Green Bay’s status as the smallest market in the NFL would have given Van Lanen a unique perspective on the business side of professional sports. The Packers’ community-driven model emphasizes loyalty and long-term investment in the team, which may have influenced his approach to his career.

Given the lack of available information, it is unclear whether Van Lanen has pursued higher education, charitable efforts, or other personal interests outside of football. NFL players often balance endorsement deals, family commitments, and media appearances, but Van Lanen has maintained a relatively low public profile. This discretion may stem from a desire to remain focused on his professional development or from the natural progression of a player who is still carving out his niche in the league.

Legacy & Future Outlook

As a sixth-round draft pick who has yet to appear in a regular season NFL game, Cole Van Lanen’s legacy in the league remains unwritten. His trajectory thus far suggests a career that is still in its formative stages, with the potential for growth depending on his development under NFL coaching and his ability to seize opportunities.

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ investment in Van Lanen reflects a broader trend in the NFL, where teams prioritize drafting offensive linemen with high upside due to the premium placed on protecting the quarterback. The league’s increased emphasis on passing has elevated the importance of the offensive line, making depth along the trench a valuable commodity. If Van Lanen can fulfill his potential as a developmental tackle with the ability to play multiple positions, he could carve out a role as a reliable reserve or even a future starter.

His future outlook hinges on several key factors. First and foremost is his physical development. NFL defensive linemen are faster and stronger than their college counterparts, requiring offensive linemen to refine their technique and enhance their functional strength. Van Lanen’s ability to improve his footwork, hand placement, and recovery in pass protection will be critical to his long-term success.

Additionally, the Jaguars’ offensive line situation will play a significant role in determining his opportunities. The team has invested in veteran talent at tackle, including Cam Robinson, who signed a three-year, $30 million contract extension in 2022, and Walker Little, a former second-round pick. Injuries or unexpected developments could thrust Van Lanen into a starting role, but his path would likely be through competition within the offensive line room.

From a broader perspective, Van Lanen’s career trajectory mirrors that of many late-round offensive linemen who begin their NFL journeys on practice squads or as rotational players. The path to regular-season snaps is arduous, but the rewards—for both the player and the team—can be substantial. If he can develop into a reliable piece of the Jaguars’ offensive line, he could become an example of the value in late-round drafting of offensive linemen.

In the context of his alma mater and upbringing, Van Lanen’s career could serve as an inspiration to athletes from smaller programs or less prominent football hotbeds. His journey—from a high school prospect in Green Bay to an NFL draft pick—underscores the importance of development, work ethic, and perseverance in the pursuit of a professional football career.

Ultimately, Cole Van Lanen’s legacy will be defined by his ability to overcome the challenges inherent in transitioning from college to professional football. If he can contribute to the Jaguars’ offensive line depth and earn regular-season snaps, he will have justified the belief the team demonstrated by selecting him in the sixth round. For now, his story remains one of potential, with the next chapter yet to be written.