The New England Patriots have completed their OTAs and are now looking forward to the first training camp under head coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel is tasked with returning the Patriots to their glory days after back-to-back disappointing seasons under Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo, and it led to a bunch of change during the offseason workouts.
A lot of the incumbents have been concerned with a spending spree that brought Milton Williams, Harold Landry and others in via free agency. But even the locked in starters don’t appear to be safe. That includes an offensive lineman that was considered to be a lock to begin the year with the Patriots but may be expendable after what went down during the offseason program.
Cole Strange Could Be on Patriots Chopping Block After OTAs
Cole Strange was the favorite to win the Patriots starting job at left guard despite what’s been an injury-plagued career over his first three seasons.
A first-round pick by the Patriots in the 2022 draft, Strange struggled while playing a career-high 982 snaps during his rookie season, posting a Pro Football Focus grade of 54.6. But he redeemed himself by performing well as a pass blocker, allowing 23 pressures and five sacks on 598 snaps.
The momentum didn’t carry over as Strange allowed 22 pressures and three sacks on 340 pass-blocking snaps in 2023 and a torn patellar tendon kept him out for the majority of the 2024 season until he returned in Week 17 against the Los Angeles Chargers. While he posted a 40.4 run-blocking grade, he allowed just one pressure on 75 pass-blocking snaps, which put him at the top of the depth chart entering OTAs.
But while Strange was the favorite, the Patriots have been evaluating their options. Tyrese Robinson worked at left guard during OTAs and ESPN’s Mike Reiss noted that running back Rhamondre Stevenson was a big fan of his run blocking dating back to their time at Oklahoma. Wes Schweitzer also saw time at left guard before he was replaced on the retired list on June 10.
There are also several guards that could push Strange for his starting spot during training camp. 2023 fourth-round pick Sidy Sow is still on the roster and the Patriots could give Mehki Butler a look by the time the regular season arrives.
This could just be competition for a player that has been a weak link in the Patriots’ running game. But it could also be the precursor to a surprising move as the team goes through training camp.