JACKSONVILLE – He's a good story, a remarkable story.
Cole Van Lanen also is one of the 2025 Jaguars' most-versatile stories, and a really important story – one that in a very real sense defines much about why the Jaguars are playing big games in December.
Whatever is needed, this team does.
"We're all just putting our best foot forward and doing everything we can to win," he said.
Van Lanen, who has emerged as one of the Jaguars' best offensive linemen this season, joined senior writer John Oehser for this Week 16 O-Zone Podcast and discussed – among other topics – the AFC South-leading Jaguars’ mindset entering a critical game against the AFC West-leading Denver Broncos in Denver, Colo. Sunday.
"Every game now in December is a big game," he said. "Mindset-wise, it really hasn't changed. It's really a week-by-week basis, a 1-0 mentality and continue to try to grow as a team."
Van Lanen, a reserve during his first 3 seasons with the Jaguars, began this season in that same role after missing much of training camp and preseason with a shoulder injury. He was inactive in Week 1 and a reserve in the next 6 games.
He hasn't missed a start since, starting each of the last 7 games.
It's where Van Lanen has played during that stretch that is unusual, starting at 5 offensive line positions: Right tackle, left tackle, right guard, left guard and "extra" tackle in a "big" personnel package.
"When I came back, I took the practices seriously," he said. "You're on scout team or whatever it is. I just played my brand of football and I was hoping to earn opportunities. That's kind of what has evolved.
"I definitely understand it is [unique]. It's kind of hard to see it from an outside perspective because I definitely would be like, 'Wow, the guy's playing all these positions.' But my mentality is I'm just out there any way I can to be on the field to help this team win, whatever position that is."
As for the one offensive-line position he has yet to play this season, center … yes, Van Lanen said he has worked there a bit and is confident he could play there if the circumstance arose.
"I do take a few snaps a week just to make sure I'm getting some snaps," he said. "I had a lot of fun doing it and embraced the challenge. I definitely think I could do it if necessary."
To listen to the entire O-Zone Podcast with Van Lanen, tune-in below. For more interviews on the O-Zone Podcast, click HERE.
