Packers 2022 roster preview: What’s next for Cole Van Lanen?

Cole Van Lanen played a grand total of one snap for the Green Bay Packers in his rookie season.

The 2021 sixth-round pick has the versatility to play multiple positions along the offensive line, something that should help him this summer.

With Billy Turner, Dennis Kelly, and Lucas Patrick all gone, there are potentially a couple of openings along the Packers’ offensive line.

Can Van Lanen make the initial 53-man roster?

2021 stats

Van Lanen was only active for one game in the regular season. According to Pro Football Reference, he played one snap on offense.

2021 season review

It is hard to give a season review based on one snap. Really, it was a year of development for Van Lanen. He was drafted in the sixth round and spent the majority of his rookie season on the practice squad.

Will he make the roster?

It will be an important summer for Van Lanen. He should get plenty of opportunities in the preseason.

The Packers kept nine offensive linemen on their initial 53-man roster last summer.

This year, we can assume that David Bakhtiari, Jon Runyan, Josh Myers, Royce Newman, Yosh Nijman, Sean Rhyan, and Zach Tom are all roster locks. Elgton Jenkins, too, if he’s healthy. If not, Jenkins will start on the PUP list.

Even without Jenkins, that’s seven spots taken. A good summer could secure Van Lanen one of the final spots.

What to expect in 2022

In the preseason last summer, Van Lanen played some guard and tackle. Versatility is important, but the Packers will also aim to find out where he is best suited.

That is why a big summer awaits Van Lanen.

If he can show improvements to his game from last year and put in good performances over the summer, he will have an opportunity to secure a roster spot as a backup.