The Packers didn’t have to place a long distance call to inform their sixth round draft choice of their selection, it was a local call, to former University of Wisconsin offensive tackle Cole Van Lanen. The 6-5, 310 pound two year starter for the Badgers at left tackle was at his home in Suamico, just minutes north of Lambeau Field and blocks from his high school alma mater Bay Port.
Van Lanen became the first area athlete to be drafted by the Packers since another former Badger, West High School quarterback Bud Keyes was taken in the 10th round in 1988.
Van Lanen obviously grew up a Packer fan, attending several games in his youth, loved Brett Favre, then Aaron Rodgers. But after growing fast and becoming a top high school lineman who was able to realize one dream by attending his home state university, he started following David Bakhtiari, watching every snap of every game played by the All-Pro. Now, Van Lanen will get a chance to go to work right alongside him.
Needless to say, it was something he surely dreamed of as a kid, but never expected that dream to be realized.
Van Lanen was a two sport star for the Bay Port Pirates winning state titles in track and field in both the shot put and discus.
He joins a growing list of Green Bay area football players who have found their way into the NFL, another Bay Port star, Alec Ingold with the Raiders, Green Bay Southwest offensive lineman Max Scharping with the Houston Texans and Ashwaubenon quarterback James Morgan with the New York Jets. But Van Lanen is going to his hometown team. He doesn’t feel any extra pressure, only excitement over donning the green and gold.
With the second pick in the sixth round, the Packers selected Boston College linebacker Isaiah McDuffie. He’s 6-2 and 227 pounds and recovered from a back injury in 2019 to pile up 107 tackles for the Eagles last year, earning second team All ACC honors.
