The New England Patriots pulled the shocker of the 2022 NFL Draft when they selected offensive guard Cole Strange with the No. 29 overall pick. Considered a consensus third or fourth-round player, the Patriots reached for an admirable small-schooler who had been enjoying a fruitful pre-draft process. Fast forward to year three and Strange is now entering a make-or-break season.
Strange predictably struggled throughout his rookie campaign. Bill Belichick benched him multiple times due to in-game struggles. He even began alternating series with Isaiah Wynn, but did end up starting all 17 games. The former Mocs standout showed growth as the season progressed forward.
Pro Football Focus credited Strange with allowing 5.0 sacks and 23 quarterback pressures. He played an undisciplined brand of football and was whistled for six penalties, ninth-most among all qualifying guards. Strange also struggled as a run blocker, earning a lackluster grade of 48.3 in that department.
Strange was hoping to showcase sophomore development, but an injury prevented the completion of that task. He suffered a season-ending knee injury in a Week 15 defeat to the Kansas City Chiefs. Strange had started every game until then and was playing noticeably better, being whistled for just two penalties and allowing 3.0 sacks. His run-blocking grade had improved considerably (66.2) from his rookie campaign before the setback.
Strange is expected to miss the beginning of the 2024 campaign as he continues rehabbing his knee injury. New head coach Jerod Mayo offered an update in May that labeled Strange as 'month-by-month' as opposed to day-by-day, opening the possibility that he misses multiple games. It's a potentially crushing blow to his developmental track in a new offense.
It also means it's going to be an even younger offensive line in front of rookie quarterback Drake Maye or veteran starter Jacoby Brissett. When Strange suffered his injury, it was Atonio Mafi, a fifth-round rookie, who stepped in to take his place. At rookie minicamp, it was fourth-round pick Layden Robinson who played left guard.
Robinson could replace Strange in the starting lineup, though the Patriots have options. He'll face competition from Mafi and free-agent signing Nick Leverett, who is the most experienced option. Sophomore blocker Sidy Sow will start at one of the interior guard positions and second-year fourth-round pick Jake Andrews will continue backing up David Andrews at center. Undrafted free agent Charles Turner III is another option across the interior after a standout Senior Bowl performance.
With third-round pick Caedan Wallace potentially starting at left tackle, the Patriots arguably have the youngest, most inexperienced offensive line in the league. It's funny how quickly Strange has gone from a 2022 reach to a critical performer.
Strange showcased legitimate rookie-to-sophomore growth in 2023. He was playing quality football before suffering a season-ending knee injury that is now threatening to derail his 2024 campaign. Now operating under a new staff, it's crucial for Strange to return to health and establish himself as a core starter for a new regime.
