3. Cole Strange, Guard/Center
Cole Strange was drafted by the Patriots in the first round as the 29th-overall selection in the 2022 draft. This was a surprise pick to many as he was projected to be selected between the third and fourth round. Strange played for Chattanooga for six seasons, winning the Jacobs Blocking award in the All-SoCon conference for two consecutive seasons.
Strange started every game at left guard in his rookie season, having an up-and-down season for the Patriots as he finished with seven penalties. In 2023, he started 10 games, missing time due to injury, and ended his season tearing his patellar tendon in Week 15. He managed to play the last three games of the 2024 season, playing at center.
In three years, Strange has not solidified himself as a starting caliber player. Both his play and durability have proved to be unworthy of a first-round selection. Strange has played in 30 games in three seasons and has played in 13 games in the last two.
The Patriots originally had the 21st pick in the draft before trading the pick to the Chiefs, who ended up drafting Trent McDuffie. While they moved eight spots back, two pro-bowl offensive linemen, Tyler Smith and Tyler Linderbaum, were drafted.
The Patriots could have also used their pick to draft Cam Jurgens, who was drafted in the second round. Like Strange, Jurgens moved from guard to center and earned himself a Pro Bowl selection.
Strange was a risky pick to begin with and although he’s only played three seasons, he has been a bust. There were other talented linemen they could have drafted and ended up taking the wrong player.
He’s headed into his fourth year and the Patriots are uncertain what position they’ll play him. Plus, they will have to make a decision if they want to pick up his fifth-year option.