A Strange 2022 NFL Draft

The Patriots offensive line was one of the worst in 2024. It hasn't been great over the last few seasons. It really hasn't been good since they drafted Cole Strange in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. The Team was coming off a playoff loss to Buffalo and were looking to protect Mac Jones after his promising rookie season. The Strange pick seemed like a reach from some, the Rams were seen mocking the pick saying they wanted him at pick 104. 

I personally thought selecting a guard that early would not impact the team. Not to mention a player from Chattanooga who plays at the FCS level. The Patriots had the 21st pick and traded it to Kansas City who selected Trent McDuffy. The Patriots then saw the following names come off the board. Quay Walker, Kaiir Elam, Tyler Smith, Tyler Linderbaum and Jermaine Johnson. The last three mentioned were all named pro-bowlers. George Karlaftis went to Kansas City at 30, just after Strange. Another fail from Bill Belichick's draft. 

Strange missed time at the beginning of last season and got injured at the end of the season that will impact the start of his 2024 season. The Patriots drafted 5 interior lineman the last two drafts. Strange isn't a bad player, he couldn't live up to the expectations with the turmoil on offense and the head coach. Maybe he can make an impact later in the season, but a good time to move forward from a failed pick.

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