Packers sign 2021 sixth-round pick Cole Van Lanen, per report

The Green Bay Packers have signed 2021 sixth-round pick Cole Van Lanen, making him the first member of the team’s 2021 class to sign. ESPN’s Rob Demovsky reports the deal is worth just over $3.6 million over four years and includes a signing bonus of $153,688.

Van Lanen, who grew up in Green Bay, was a stalwart on the left side of Wisconsin’s offensive line during his time in Madison. He started 18 games at left tackle over his final two collegiate seasons, though he did miss some time due to injury during the 2020 campaign.

Pre-draft observers wondered if Van Lanen’s best path to long-term NFL success might include a switch to guard, and to that end the Packers already list him as a T/G on the website. If he successfully makes a move inside, he’d be just the latest in a long line of other Packers linemen to do so. He’ll have teammate to emulate in that respect; 2020 sixth-round draft pick Jon Runyan Jr., also a Big Ten offensive tackle, now plays guard for the Packers and could be a blueprint for Van Lanen to follow.