NFL Draft 2021: Wisconsin OL Cole Van Lanen drafted by the Green Bay Packers

On Day 3 of the 2021 NFL Draft the first Wisconsin Badgers player was taken when Isaiahh Loudermilk was drafted by the Steelers in the fifth round. Later on Saturday, CB Rachad Wildgoose was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the sixth round with pick No. 213. A mere one pick later and OL Cole Van Lanen was taken by the hometown Green Bay Packers!

Our resident draft expert, and former offensive lineman himself, Owen Riese had this to say about Van Lanen in his scouting report:

Cole Van Lanen was the first big recruit that Paul Chryst was able to land as the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers. Van Lanen was a 4-star recruit out of Bay Port High School in Green Bay.

After redshirting in 2016 and not playing much in 2017, he split time at left tackle in 2018 with Jon Dietzen, and then was the sole starter at left tackle in 2019 and in 2020. Van Lanen was listed as first team all-Big Ten by the coaches in 2020 and second team by the media.

The Packers have now picked three offensive linemen with the selection of Van Lanen as Green Bay looks to build the trenches for whoever ends up at quarterback in the 2021 season.