Draft pundits analyze Patriots selecting Cole Strange at 29th overall
The New England Patriots selected Cole Strange with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft. In what was a bit of a surprise on Thursday night, New England elected to strengthen their offensive line, and was able to do so.
This selection allows them to replace a player such as Ted Karras, who left for Cincinnati in the offseason. Strange’s versatility could be a benefit as New England looks to fill additional holes on the lin. With three days of the draft still to go, the Patriots will have several other opportunities to fill holes on the roster.
Today, we take a look at analysis of the pick from several media outlets.
Pro Football Focus
“This is the biggest reach of Round 1 as the Chattanooga Mock was 86th on PFF’s Big Board. His anchor and footwork is suspect, making it highly unlikely his early contributions are significant. On a positive note, Strange is a versatile and elite athlete who excels in space. The 6-foot-5, 307-pound lineman posted a mark above the 89th percentile at the position historically at the combine in the 40-yard dash (5.03 second), broad jump (120-inches), three-cone drill (7.44 seconds) and pro agility (4.5 seconds). Before blowing up the event in Indianapolis, Strange impressed many across the league by spending almost all of the Senior Bowl at center despite not playing a single down at the position for Chattanooga. -AT”
NFL.com
“The scrappy interior blocker from Chattanooga has the potential to play every spot on the offensive line. Strange is a developmental prospect, but he could earning a starting role as a rookie with a strong performance in training camp.”
Sports Illustrated
“While he’ll fill the void created by Ted Karras and has versatility to play guard or center, this is a surprise, as they likely could have waited at least another round, possibly two, for Strange. Strange has good balance and quick feet and should be a solid interior blocker, even though the value in Round 1 is less than ideal.”
Sporting News
“The Patriots loved Strange enough to jump on him in the first round but they could have likely gotten him in the third round. He is their ideal type of interior blocking prospect with his versatility tied to balanced strength and agility and fills a considerable need with Ted Karras and Shaq Mason no longer on the roster.”
CBSSports.com
“They draft the replacement for Shaq Mason at right guard. This might be a little high for him, but it certainly fills a need. They get younger and cheaper.”
FoxSports.com
“Quick and controlled off the snap, Strange latches onto defenders and shows tenacity, including against top competition at the Senior Bowl.”
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