Green Bay Packers thrilled with improvement of homegrown rookie OL Cole Van Lanen
The Packers are liking what they’re seeing from rookie offensive lineman Cole Van Lanen.
Van Lanen played for a local high school in Wisconsin before becoming a Badger and then was drafted by the Packers in this year’s NFL Draft.
He hasn’t played much this season but that hasn’t stopped the team’s offensive line coach from praising him. Adam Stenavich confirmed that he’s seen a lot of improvement from Van Lanen and that he’s the backup at all the interior positions.
Once Van Lanen is ready to play full-time, it will likely be at one of the guard spots or center, not tackle.
#Packers OL coach Adam Stenavich said he has seen a lot of improvement in rookie Cole Van Lanen. Said he is backup at all the interior positions but they are not working him at left tackle and he doesn't see him being a prospect there.
— Tom Silverstein (@TomSilverstein) December 29, 2021
Before Van Lanen was drafted in the 6th round, he played in 45 games and started 19 of those at left tackle for Wisconsin. He also earned 1st-team All-B1G honors from the conference’s coaches in 2020.
Van Lanen was also the first lineman to be drafted by the Packers from Wisconsin since Bill Ferrario in 2001.
It only looks to be a matter of time before he’s on the field.