4 New England Patriots rookies Bill Belichick need to hit on in 2022
New England Patriots first-round pick Cole Strange
The first-round pick in this year’s 2022 NFL Draft for the New England Patriots was a strange pick to say the least.
That’s Cole Strange by the way.
What was Bill Belichick thinking in reaching for an offensive lineman who many teams forecasted as a Day 2 or Day 3 value. With a need a cornerback, linebacker and wide receiver, the Patriots coach found a way to perplex fans and critics with this selection not because of the player but because of who was available when he made that selection.
Want your voice heard? Join the Chowder And Champions team!
While surprised and shocked himself, this puts a lot of pressure on Strange to be…well the next Logan Mankins. Belichick absolutely must hit on this pick and the Chattanooga product is at least impressing fellow teammates like veteran center David Andrews.
"“I think Cole is doing a great job,” Andrews told reporters during OTAs. “I remember what it was like being a rookie. So, there’s a lot on his plate. I think he’s done a good job, coming in and really working hard. Trying to learn it. Obviously, the biggest jumps, you know, really come in training camp. “But, you know, he’s done a good job. He works really hard. But like all of us, we’ve got a long way to go.”"
At 6-foot-6, 300 pounds, Strange will have a lot of eyes on him just because of where he was selected. Also, not only would his performance justify being selected in the first round, but it would also justify Belichick trading Shaq Mason this offseason and letting Joe Thuney walk a season ago. If he can produce like either of those two, perhaps fans will forgive the Patriots coach for such a strange selection…no pun intended.