Summary

Cole Van Lanen was selected in Round 6 (#214 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of University of Wisconsin. With the Badgers from 2016 to 2020, he appeared in 45 games, including 18 starts at left tackle over his final two seasons. In 2020, despite missing the final two games, he was voted First-Team All-Big Ten based on his five starts that season. Before college, he starred at Bay Port High School (Green Bay area), earning All-State honors twice and winning state titles in track & field, showing his athletic versatility. In the NFL, Van Lanen was traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars in August 2022, where he has served primarily as a swing tackle/guard and depth offensive lineman. He’s viewed as a steady, versatile lineman with a good work ethic and the physical traits to contribute in both guard and tackle roles and his progressive development may earn him a big pay day as a starter in the future.

Strengths

• Run-blocking & drive-block capability: Van Lanen excels as a run blocker and constantly brings his through the whistle mentality. Shows ability to clear a path at the second level, and his core strength and knee bend help on zone-scheme run-plays and trap blocks.

• Swiss army knife: Though he played LT in college, his size and footwork give him flexibility to shift inside to guard or act as swing tackle when needed. CVL is one of only a handful of players to start at four different OL positions in a single season in 2025 with the Jaguars.

• Football IQ & technique awareness: His awareness in pass-sets and run-blocking, ability to mirror quick interior rushers, and hand-placement fundamentals stand out among late-round linemen.

• Preparation mentality & competitor: Approaches football with a positive attitude and grit, always happy to help his teammates as either a sixth OL in jumbo packages or as a starter at left tackle. Whatever the assignment, he will be well prepared and ready to attack.

Weaknesses

• Pass-protection consistency & foot quickness: While his run blocking is solid, Van Lanen isn’t known for elite quick-twitch in pass sets. He can get beat off a slower initial punch, and occasional lose to quicker speed rushers, especially when his pad level or technique drops.

• Leverage & anchor limitations vs power rushers: Somewhat built like an oil canister, at times when engaging powerful or long-armed defensive linemen, he struggles to anchor and sustain blocks. Can resort to over-extension or balance loss, limiting his upside in heavy run/pass-rush matchups.

• Inconsistent snap-to-snap performance: Because his success tends to come when technique and effort are dialed in, there’s some variability in his play which may limit trust from coaching staff unless he puts together consistent reps, which has begun to manifest in Jacksonville in 2025.

• Relative athletic ceiling is modest: Compared to top-tier NFL tackles/guards, his athletic traits (agility, lateral quickness) are average, which may cap his ceiling as a starter — especially in pass-heavy or high-tempo schemes.

Outlook

Van Lanen projects as a valuable depth-lineman or swing OL in a pro front, especially in systems that value zone or power-run schemes where his run-blocking strengths can be maximized. His versatility to play guard or tackle gives roster flexibility, and he’s well-suited to serve as a backup or spot starter. Looking ahead, his outlook is realistic but modest. As long as he stays healthy and maintains focus, he can carve out a multi-year career as a reliable rotational lineman. Given continuity in Jacksonville and the protected tender signed in 2025, he seems to have earned trust as a dependable swing/tackle-guard. If he improves his pass-pro fundamentals and consistency, he might push for more regular starting work, and someone with his combination or preparation, attitude, and intelligence should never be counted out.