Patriots take OL Cole Strange 29th overall in NFL Draft
After months of speculation, the Patriots’ pick is in. After trading back in the first round, the team drafted Chattanooga offensive lineman Cole Strange 29th overall.
Strange, who will turn 24 during training camp, was a five-year starter for the Mocs taking advantage of the extra year of eligibility granted by the NCAA following the COVID-19 Pandemic. In those five years Strange started 44 games mainly at left guard and center. He was a third team All-American in 2021, as well as first-team All-SoCon. From 2018-2020 he was second-team All-SoCon.
Following the 2021 season, Strange was invited to the Senior Bowl where he was one of the top performers. That event is traditionally one the Patriots focus on. He was one of the top testers among interior offensive linemen at the Combine as well, finishing with the best broad jump (10 feet) and second-best bench press results (31 reps). Heading into the draft, Strange was projected to go towards the end of Day 2.
At 6-foot-5, 307 pounds, Strange is expected to be a hybrid guard/center at the next level. He sees the game well and is technically sound – especially when it comes to his footwork. Given his starting experience, it’s not surprised he’s advanced in those areas. Getting into an NFL weight program will help him compete against more physical competition.
In New England, Strange will likely compete for the left guard spot opened by Ted Karras’ departure in free agency. Starting right guard Shaq Mason also left this offseason – he was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for a fifth round draft pick. The Patriots’ current interior linemen on the roster along with Strange are David Andrews (starting center) Mike Onwenu (projected starting right guard), Drew Desjarlais, Yasir Durant, James Ferentz, and Arlington Hambright.
Prior to taking Strange, the Patriots traded back from the 21st pick. In a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, they picked up the 29th overall pick, 94th overall pick (3rd round), and 121st overall pick (4th round). The Patriots’ next pick is in the second round, at 54th overall.
2022 NFL Draft results: First round
A video board displays the text “THE PICK IS IN” for the New England Patriots during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
1. Jacksonville Jaguars: Travon Walker, DE, Georgia
2. Detroit Lions: Aidan Hutchinson, DE, Michigan
3. Houston Texans: Derek Stingley Jr., CB, LSU
4. New York Jets: Ahmad Gardner, CB, Cincinnati
5. New York Giants: Kayvon Thibodeaux, DE, Oregon
6. Carolina Panthers: Ikem Ekwonu, OL, NC State
7. New York Giants (from Bears): Evan Neal, OL, Alabama
8. Atlanta Falcons: Drake London, WR, USC
9. Seattle Seahawks (from Broncos): Charles Cross, OT, Mississippi State
10. New York Jets (from Seahawks): Garrett Wilson, WR, Ohio State
11. New Orleans Saints (from Commanders): Chris Olave, WR, Ohio State
12. Detroit Lions: Jameson Williams, WR, Alabama
13. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans via Browns): Jordan Davis, DT, Georgia
14. Baltimore Ravens: Kyle Hamilton, DB, Notre Dame
15. Houston Texans (from Eagles): Kenyon Green, OT, Texas A&M
16. Washington Commanders (from Saints via Eagles): Jahan Dotson, WR, Penn State
17. Los Angeles Chargers: Zion Johnson, OL, Boston College
18. Tennessee Titans (from Eagles via Saints): Treylon Burks, WR, Arkansas
19. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles): Trevor Penning, OT, Northern Iowa
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kenny Pickett, QB, Pitt
21. Kansas City Chiefs (via Patriots): Trent McDuffie, CB, Washington
22. Green Bay Packers (from Raiders): Quay Walker, LB, Georgia
23. Buffalo Bills (from Ravens via Cardinals): Kaiir Elam, CB, Florida
24. Dallas Cowboys: Tyler Smith, OT, Tulsa
25. Baltimore Ravens (from Bills): Tyler Linderbaum, C, Iowa
26. New York Jets (via Titans): Jermaine Johnson, DE, Florida State
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (via Buccaneers): Devin Lloyd, LB, Utah
28. Green Bay Packers: Devonte Wyatt, DT, Georgia
29. New England Patriots (from Chiefs via Dolphins): Cole Strange, OL, UT-Chattanooga
30. Kansas City Chiefs: George Karlaftis, DE, Purdue
31. Cincinnati Bengals: Daxton Hill, DB, Michigan
32. Detroit Lions (from Rams): Lewis Cine, DB, Georgia
Vikings select DB Lewis Cine 32nd overall
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive back Lewis Cine (16) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota shores up its secondary with yet another Georgia defender, this time safety Lewis Cine. And that’s it for the first round. Until Friday!
Bengals take DB Daxton Hill 31st overall
Nov 13, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive back Daxton Hill (30) during a warm up prior to the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium. Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Former Michigan safety Daxton Hill was a popular pick prediction for the Patriots, but New England passed on him to take offensive lineman Cole Strange. Hill is a first-round pick after all, bolstering the Bengals’ defense.
Chiefs select DE George Karlaftis 30th overall
Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) blows past Oregon State tight end Luke Musgrave (88) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021 at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette. (Nikos Frazier/Journal & Courier via Imagn Content Services)
Chiefs get out of the first round with a new pass-rusher. They add him to CB Trent McDuffie as part of their haul.
Patriots select OL Cole Strange 29th overall
Feb 5, 2022; Mobile, AL, USA; National Squad offensive lineman Cole Strange of Tennessee-Chattanooga (69) in the first half against the American squad during the Senior bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
The Patriots address the offensive line with the 29th overall pick. Mac Jones gets some fresh protection. Oh, and count another one for the Felger and Mazz Big Board.
Packers select DT Devonte Wyatt 28th overall
NASHVILLE, TN – SEPTEMBER 25: Devonte Wyatt #95 of the Georgia Bulldogs celebrates against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the first quarter at Vanderbilt Stadium on September 25, 2021 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
The Packers their second pick of the first round, and second defender from Georgia. Wyatt joins former Bulldogs teammate Quay Walker in Green Bay.
Jaguars trade up to 27th, select LB Devin Lloyd
SALT LAKE CITY, UT – SEPTEMBER 25 : Devin Lloyd #0 of the Utah Utes tips a pass before catching it for an interception against the Washington State Cougars during their game September 25, 2021 at Rice Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
The Jags moved up to grab another first-round pick in a trade with the Bucs. With the 27th pick, they again addressed their defensive front-seven with the selection of Utah inside linebacker Devin Lloyd.
Jets select DE Jermaine Johnson 26th overall
Mar 5, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Florida State linebacker Jermaine Johnson II (LB20) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Jets add a potential high-end pass-rusher to their mix with the addition of Johnson out of Florida State.
Ravens select C Tyler Linderbaum 25th overall
Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras (7) takes a snap from center Tyler Linderbaum (65) during a NCAA college football game in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against Kentucky, Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla.
The Ravens had been undergoing a transitional period at the center position. With Linderbaum, they certainly hope he can be an anchor at that spot for a long time.
Cowboys select OT Tyler Smith 24th overall
Oct 3, 2020; Orlando, Florida, USA; Tulsa Golden Hurricane offensive tackle Tyler Smith (56) guards during the second quarter of a game against the UCF Knights at Spectrum Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mary Holt-USA TODAY Sports
Dallas has long had first-round talents along their offensive line. The tradition continues.
Bills select CB Kaiir Elam 23rd overall
Kaiir Elam #5 of the Florida Gators celebrates after breaking up a pass against the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Another cornerback off the board with the Patriots just six picks away. The Bills move up a couple of spots to address their secondary.
Packers select LB Quay Walker 22nd overall
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Quay Walker (7) and Nakobe Dean (17) against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Green Bay adds athleticism to their defense. Walker’s positional fit is a little in question, but he has the upside of an impact front-seven player regardless of where he lines up.
Chiefs select CB Trent McDuffie 21st overall
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – NOVEMBER 28: Trent McDuffie #22 of the Washington Huskies intercepts a pass during the final seconds of play to secure a 24-21 win against the Utah Utes at Husky Stadium on November 28, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
We now have to hope this pick doesn’t haunt the Patriots. The Chiefs moved up to take a player at a position of need for New England.
Saints select OT Trevor Penning 19th overall
Mar 4, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Northern Iowa offensive lineman Trevor Penning (OL38) goes through drills during the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Penning is known for his physicality at tackle, which made him a popular pick prediction for the Patriots. He projects to be a starting tackle for the Saints, but maybe not on the left side right away.
Titans select WR Treylon Burks 18th overall
Oct 23, 2021; Little Rock, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks wide receiver Treylon Burks (16) rushes for a touchdown during the first quarter against the Arkansas Pine Bluff Golden Lions at War Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Tennessee has traded away A.J. Brown, and with the pick they acquired, they draft what they hope will be his replacement. Burks has a similar size-and-speed combo, but we’ll see if he can match Brown’s immediate production.
Titans trade AJ Brown for 18th pick
A.J. Brown #11 of the Tennessee Titans catches a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Nissan Stadium on January 22, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
A huge trade: The Tennessee Titans sent wide receiver A.J. Brown to the Eagles in exchange for the 18th and 101st overall picks, according to Field Yates. Tennessee is now on the clock.
According to Ian Rapoport, Brown’s move to the Eagles comes with an immediate extension. It’s four years and up to $100 million, with $57 million guaranteed.
The Patriots remain at No. 21, just three picks away…
Chargers select OL Zion Johnson 17th overall
Nov 20, 2021; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Zion Johnson (77) against the Florida State Seminoles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Commanders select WR Jahan Dotson 16th overall
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 02: Jahan Dotson #5 of the Penn State Nittany Lions catches a pass for a touchdown in front of Raheem Layne II #0 of the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 2, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The run on receivers and tackles continues. Washington has a decision to make on dynamic fourth-year wideout Terry McLaurin. If they end up unable to retain him, they’re hoping Dotson can carry the torch.
Texans select OT Kenyon Green 15th overall
Sep 18, 2021; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies offensive lineman Kenyon Green (55) in action during the game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the New Mexico Lobos at Kyle Field. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
With their pick acquired from the Eagles, the Texans select what they hope is a future starting tackle with former Texas A&M tackle Kenyon Green. It’s been a nice night for tackle prospects so far.
Ravens select S Kyle Hamilton 14th overall
Notre Dame safety Kyle Hamilton (14) intercepts a pass intended for Purdue tight end Payne Durham (87) in the end zone during the fourth quarter of an NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021 at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend.
Baltimore may have missed out on Jordan Davis, but Hamilton is a hell of a consolation prize. The former Notre Dame safety is big, athletic, and versatile, and in John Harbaugh’s system could be a defensive anchor very soon.
Eagles select DT Jordan Davis 13th overall
Nov 27, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs defensive lineman Jordan Davis (99) in action against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Philly jumps the Ravens to take Davis, widely considered the best defensive tackle prospect in the 2022 class.
Lions select WR Jameson Williams 12th overall
Oct 23, 2021; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Jameson Williams (1) uses a stiff arm to try to break away from Tennessee Volunteers defensive back Jaylen McCollough (22) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Alabama won 52-24. Mandatory Credit: Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Williams was considered by many to be the best receiver prospect in the draft, but a torn ACL hurt his overall draft stock. Still, 12th overall ain’t too shabby. Williams won’t be ready right away for Detroit, but he has the ceiling of an elite No. 1 receiver regardless.
Saints take WR Chris Olave 11th overall
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Chris Olave (2) makes a catch against Michigan State Spartans in the second quarter during their NCAA College football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on November 20, 2021. (Kyle Robertson/Columbus Dispatch/USA Today Network)
Another receiver-needy team makes an aggressive move for one of the top receivers in the draft. Olave has the upside of a speedy playmaker at the NFL level, where the Saints kept Jameis Winston at quarterback.
Jets select WR Garrett Wilson 10th overall
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) jukes Michigan Wolverines defensive back Rod Moore (19) during the second quarter of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Nov. 27, 2021.
Another receiver off the board. Wilson was always one of the most highly regarded receiver prospects in the draft, but we’ll see if he turns out to be better than Alabama’s Jameson Williams, who is still on the board.
Seahawks select OT Charles Cross ninth overall
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 04: Charles Cross #OL06 of Mississippi State runs a drill during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 04, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Not the most exciting position, but an essential one. Three offensive linemen are already off the board in the first nine picks, and Cross fills an immediate need in Seattle.
Falcons select WR Drake London eighth overall
Sep 18, 2021; Pullman, Washington, USA; USC Trojans wide receiver Drake London (15) makes a catch in front of Washington State Cougars defensive back Jaylen Watson (0) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. The Trojans won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta gets a big, athletic wide receiver to pair with Kyle Pitts. The Falcons currently have Marcus Mariota projected to start for them at quarterback, so they may need all the dynamic weapons they can get.
Giants select OT Evan Neal seventh overall
Sep 18, 2021; Gainesville, Florida, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide offensive lineman Evan Neal (73) against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Neal played at Alabama, so he’s probably going to be a stud. He played both tackle spots with the Crimson Tide, as well as guard. Brian Daboll’s Giants get a potential elite starter on the offensive line.
Panthers select OL Ikem Ekwonu sixth overall
Oct 30, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina State Wolfpack tackle Ikem Ekwonu (79) warms up prior to a game against the Louisville Cardinals at Carter-Finley Stadium. Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Panthers may have landed an excellent long-term starting left tackle with the selection of Ekwonu. They’re discussed as a team possibly looking at a quarterback. Not yet. Protection for Sam Darnold first.
Giants select DE Kayvon Thibodeaux fifth overall
EUGENE, OR – OCTOBER 30: Kayvon Thibodeaux #5 of the Oregon Ducks rushes against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Tom Hauck/Getty Images)
Brian Daboll’s new team goes defense with its first pick. Thibodeaux is arguably the most dynamic athlete in the draft, giving him massive upside if he can put it all together in New York.
Jets select CB Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner fourth overall
Nov 20, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats cornerback Ahmad Gardner (1) and cornerback Coby Bryant (7) react after cornerback Arquon Bush (not pictured) blocked a field goal by the Southern Methodist Mustangs in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Is this a run on cornerbacks in the making? The Jets have taken the second straight cornerback off the board with the selection of “Sauce” Gardner, who has a chance to be a shutdown No. 1 corner at the NFL level.
Texans select CB Derek Stingley Jr. third overall
Sep 18, 2021; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (7) reacts after making a tackle against the Central Michigan Chippewas at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Clause/The Advertiser via USA TODAY NETWORK
Houston goes in a bit of a surprising direction with the third overall pick. Stingley has huge upside, but he generally wasn’t expected to go as high as No. 3. In fact, he was considered a candidate to fall. Instead, former Patriots exec Nick Caserio targets what he hopes is a future franchise corner.
Lions select DE Aidan Hutchinson second overall
Nov 20, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) rushes during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Hutchinson was a popular choice by many to go first overall to the Jaguars, but Jacksonville opted for Travon Walker instead. Detroit selected Hutchinson very quickly. Clearly, they had him first on their board either way.
Jaguars select DE Travon Walker first overall
ATHENS, GA – NOVEMBER 06: Travon Walker #44 of the Georgia Bulldogs sacks Tyler Macon #10 of the Missouri Tigers in the second half at Sanford Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The first pick is a member of a formerly stacked Georgia Bulldogs defense. Outside linebacker Travon Walker is headed to the Jaguars, with the hope that he becomes a defensive cornerstone the same way Trevor Lawrence will be for the offense. Walker has the upside of an elite pass-rusher at the NFL level.
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