Cole Van Lanen's stock soaring while other Jaguars backup O-Linemen struggle

One of the biggest storylines surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of the 2024 NFL season has been their offensive line play. You could make the case that their inability to block was one of the main reasons for their collapse last year, and it's fair to ask how much they've improved in that area. While the team's brass has yet to see all five starters on the field at the same time, they've gotten a good look at fourth-year pro Cole Van Lanen, who's making the most of his chances.

Cole Van Lanen made Pro Football Focus Team of the Week at right tackle following an impressive outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In two preseason games, the former Wisconsin Badger has played 112 offensive snaps and hasn't given up a single pressure. His 83.4 PFF overall grade was the third-highest among Jaguars players in the preseason opener and he led the team with a 91.0 mark in Week 2.

A sixth-round pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2021, Van Lanen was traded to the Jags heading into the 2022 season. He got minimal playing time, logging 18 offensive snaps. Last year wasn't much different, as he totaled 53. The Wisconsin native is now entering a contract year. Barring injury to the starting offensive line, he won't see much playing time in 2024. However, he's proving that he'll be ready if called upon.

Van Lanen has mostly played guard his first three years in the NFL but lined up at left tackle in college. All his snaps in 2023 came at right tackle, and that's where he's lined up in the preseason. This versatility could come in handy in case the injury bug strikes.

Cole Van Lanen is stepping up while Luke Fortner, other Jaguars O-Linemen struggle

Cole Van Lanen's development is more impressive when you take into account that other reserve offensive linemen aren't doing nearly as well. For instance, Luke Fortner, the starting center the past two years, was relegated to a backup role when the Jacksonville Jaguars signed veteran Mitch Morse in free agency.

It was thought that letting Fortner take a step back would help him improve but that hasn't been the case, as he's struggled during the preseason. On the other hand, offensive tackle rookie Javon Foster has shown that he still has his work cut out before Jacksonville can lean on him while sophomore Cooper Hodges has experienced ups and downs. There's also long-time staple Blake Hance, who's probably reached his ceiling and probably won't see the field unless injuries ravage the roster.

This won't be a cause for concern if the offensive line stays healthy in 2024. But that's the thing, the Jaguars are going with four of their five starters from last year. The thinking is that they hardly played together because of injuries but a clean bill of health should allow them to gel next season.

If that's the case, the Jaguars will be able to keep Trevor Lawrence's jersey clean and pave running lanes the size of a truck for Travis Etienne to go through. But if injuries strike in 2024, Cole Van Lanen is slowly proving that he'll be ready if his number is called.

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