Cole Van Lanen Backs Up Right Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars

In the NFL, a team’s offensive line depth can be the difference between a smooth regular season and a derailed campaign—and for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Cole Van Lanen has emerged as a critical piece of that depth as the team’s backup right tackle heading into the 2025 season. The 26-year-old, entering his fourth NFL season, joined the Jaguars via free agency in 2024 after stints with the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions, and he quickly proved his value by filling in at multiple offensive line spots during training camp and preseason. This year, Van Lanen has locked in the backup right tackle role behind starter Jawaan Taylor, a position that requires him to stay ready to step in at a moment’s notice—whether due to injury, fatigue, or strategic adjustments. Cole Van Lanen Backs Up Right Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t just a roster note; it’s a testament to Van Lanen’s versatility, work ethic, and ability to adapt to a specialized role—a quality that makes him indispensable to an offense aiming to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence and fuel running back Travis Etienne Jr.’s production.

Cole Van Lanen Backs Up Right Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars first stands out because of Van Lanen’s unique combination of size, strength, and mobility—traits that align perfectly with the Jaguars’ right tackle needs. At 6’6” and 315 pounds, Van Lanen has the frame to hold off elite edge rushers, and his 4.98-second 40-yard dash time (impressive for his size) gives him the quickness to mirror speed rushers on the outside. During the 2024 preseason, Van Lanen showcased these traits in a standout performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played 35 snaps at right tackle and allowed zero pressures on Lawrence, including a key block on Buccaneers edge rusher Shaquil Barrett to open a 15-yard run for Etienne. What sets Van Lanen apart from other backups is his experience: he’s played in 32 NFL games, including 5 starts, and he’s familiar with the Jaguars’ offensive scheme after spending a full season in the system. “Cole is the kind of backup every coach wants,” Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher said. “He knows our playbook inside out, he works as hard as the starters, and he can step in and perform at a high level without missing a beat. That’s rare for a backup tackle.”

A key reason Cole Van Lanen Backs Up Right Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars is so impactful is his ability to provide insurance against injuries—a concern that looms large for every NFL offensive line. Right tackle is one of the most physically demanding positions in football, as players face off against the opponent’s fastest and most athletic pass rushers every snap, increasing the risk of fatigue or injury. Last season, Taylor missed two games with a knee sprain, forcing the Jaguars to use a combination of inexperienced backups and position switches to fill the gap—a stretch that saw Lawrence sacked 7 times and the run game average just 3.8 yards per carry. With Van Lanen in the backup role, the Jaguars no longer face that uncertainty. Van Lanen has spent the entire offseason practicing exclusively at right tackle (after playing guard and tackle in 2024), refining his technique to match Taylor’s style—from his hand placement to his footwork—so the offense can maintain continuity if he’s called upon. “My job is to be a carbon copy of Jawaan,” Van Lanen explained. “If he goes down, the offense shouldn’t skip a beat. That means studying his film, practicing his moves, and making sure I know exactly what he does on every play.”

Cole Van Lanen Backs Up Right Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars also highlights the Jacksonville Jaguars’ focus on building intentional depth rather than just filling roster spots. In previous seasons, the Jaguars often relied on late-round draft picks or practice-squad call-ups to back up their offensive line starters—a strategy that led to inconsistency when injuries struck. This year, however, the Jaguars prioritized retaining Van Lanen, signing him to a two-year, $4.5 million deal in free agency specifically to lock in the backup right tackle role. General manager Trent Baalke emphasized the importance of this move: “Offensive line depth isn’t something you can overlook. When your starting tackle goes down, it can change the entire trajectory of your season. Cole gives us stability there—he’s a proven player who knows our system, and that’s worth investing in.” The Jacksonville Jaguars’ commitment to Van Lanen extends beyond the contract: the team has given him reps with the first-team offense during practice, allowing him to build chemistry with Lawrence and the rest of the starting line—a move that will pay off if he’s forced into action during the regular season.

Cole Van Lanen Backs Up Right Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars further underscores the Jacksonville Jaguars’ strategic approach to game management, as Van Lanen’s role isn’t limited to injury relief. Rauscher has indicated that the Jaguars plan to use Van Lanen in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his size and strength can help open up running lanes for Etienne. During a Week 3 preseason scrimmage against the Miami Dolphins, Van Lanen came in at right tackle for a goal-line package and threw a key block on Dolphins defensive tackle Christian Wilkins to clear the way for Etienne’s 1-yard touchdown run. This situational role allows the Jaguars to keep Taylor fresh for critical passing downs while leveraging Van Lanen’s strengths in specific scenarios. “Cole gives us a different look in short-yardage situations,” Rauscher said. “His power blocking is top-tier, and it lets us be more creative with our playcalling. Having that flexibility is a huge advantage.” For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Van Lanen’s ability to contribute in multiple ways—whether as an injury replacement or a situational weapon—makes him far more valuable than a traditional backup.

The final takeaway from Cole Van Lanen Backs Up Right Tackle for Jacksonville Jaguars is that Van Lanen’s role is a reflection of the Jaguars’ maturity as a franchise. Gone are the days of overlooking offensive line depth; instead, the team is investing in players who can provide stability, continuity, and strategic flexibility—all qualities that are essential for a team aiming to compete for an AFC South title and a deep playoff run. For Van Lanen, the backup right tackle role is a chance to showcase his skills and prove he’s capable of being a long-term contributor, whether as a reliable backup or a potential starter down the line. Early signs from training camp are promising: Van Lanen has allowed just one pressure in 120 preseason snaps, and he’s built a strong rapport with Lawrence and the rest of the offensive line. For the Jacksonville Jaguars, Van Lanen’s presence means peace of mind—knowing that if Taylor goes down, the offense won’t collapse. And for Van Lanen, it’s an opportunity to be part of something special: a Jaguars team that’s poised to turn its offensive potential into championship success.