Analysis

Cole Van Lanen is the hometown kid from University of Wisconsin and grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin where he graduated from Bay Port High School. This is an amazing story.

Van Lanen stands 6’4″ weighing 305 pounds, with 33 and 3/8 inch arms and 9 and 3/4 inch hands.

In 2019, Big Ten coaches named him honorable mention all-conference during his redshirt junior year, as he started 13 games on the blind side. In 2020, he was voted first-team All-Big Ten for his efforts in five starts at left tackle. When he’s allowed to come off the ball as a drive blocker, he shows some potential to generate push. He is better in the run blocking game than he is in pass protection. He projects as a guard in the NFL. That projection comes from his lack of athleticism in pass protection. Cole is built for power running schemes where he can pull to help spring the running game. He has an above average understanding of hand placement and quick eyes to adjusting blocks when appropriate. He is exceptional in turning the corner and exploding into power blocks.

Team Fit

Cole Van Lanen projects as a Guard at the NFL level. During college at the University of Wisconsin he played primarily at LT protecting the blind side. His superior run blocking ability will kick him inside on the line. The Packers have definitely heard of this kid for sometime as he grew up in Green Bay and played at Bay Port High School. Where he was two-time first-team all-state and also won state titles in the shot put and discus as a junior.

This is a great depth pick for the offensive line. Wisconsin has been typically loaded with offensive lineman who are disciplined and good blockers. He is built sturdy with that Midwestern / Wisconsin beef. He would be able to step in and play the guard position immediately if needed but would be a great back-up where he can learn and develop. This is a quality pick for the Packers.

What Others Are Saying

Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag