Which just seems to be in his nature. We have recently seen players like Wisconsin-Whitewaters Quinn Meinerz, Hobarts Ali Marpet, and St. Johns Ben Bartch take significant jumps in their draft stock because of their performance at the Senior Bowl. That said, offensive guard is not deemed a marquee position in the team-building process, and OG prospects aren't exactly headline-grabbing names during all the pre-draft mock madness. Liam Coen, the new offensive coordinator of the Rams, was the offensive coordinator at Kentucky last season, so there's some familiarity between Fortner and Coen. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. Penn State has developed a nice track record of producing NFL tight ends in recent years. Strange is Daniel Jeremiah's 74th-ranked player, (Dane Brugler's . Stranges anchor is stout, and he can seal edges in the ground game. Games watched:Mercer (2021), ETSU (2021), Kentucky (2021). But who is the Mocs highest-drafted player in school history? Strange will need to refine his footwork and discipline against shifty rushers who can set up their moves with stutters and hesitations to not open up his shoulders prematurely and create a soft inside edge that leaves him susceptible to getting beat across his face. Bucky Brooks eyes three potential best fits for Tom Brady in 2023, including locations with familiar faces. The Hard Knocks star has been quite the find for the Lions. After all, he was playing FCS competition at practice and in games for six years. Shows the speed to recover and slide back into his set but gets too narrow-based. From Major Media Outlets to NFL Team Personnel. The 2022 NFL draft is only a . Cole Strange (69) Offensive Line - Career - 5-year starter on the offensive line using the COVID exception for a sixth year of eligibility in 2021 - 2021 NFL. His pop on contact is aided by his ability to bend and gain leverage. From then on, the Mocs LG spot had Stranges name tattooed into it. The New England Patriots surprised many by selecting Chattanooga Mocs guard Cole Strange with the 29th pick in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft, with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay . He had a good showing at the Combine too, putting up numbers that had him in the 90th percentile among linemen in almost every category. He played college football at Chattanooga and was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft . While all of that might have been true back in the day, the changing dynamics of interior line play make it essential to have a blue-chip guard on the line of scrimmage. 10 1/8 Who is Cole Strange? Strange can be hesitant, lunge, and overpursue when pulling or moving upfield, generating whiffs. Franchises who incorporate such a system can maximize Stranges strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. Coming from that lineage, expectations . Last night, I had the opportunity to put on my GM hat and represent the Ravens in the 2023 Walk the Mock Draftnik Mock Draft. (93%*), 4.50 (C) 72 overall | Washington State. He translates to a zone scheme due to his understanding of angles, overall athleticism, and grip/core strength. Former NFL player and scout . Rams 2022 Draft Prospect Profile: Cole Strange (G/C, Chattanooga) Share this article 112 shares share tweet text email link Skyler Carlin. A natural athlete with a mean streak, Strange has everything a team could want in an interior lineman. Despite the criticism leveled at Packers brass for the lack of playmakers around Aaron Rodgers, the front office appears to have knocked it out of the park with the former Nevada standout. Bucky Brooks ranks the top three contenders. Our resident scout, Bucky Brooks, spotlights 10 prospects he can't wait to see. According to PFF, Strange -- who hasn't committed a single penalty in Year 1 -- has allowed eight total pressures in six games, with just two in the last three. Twitchy rushers can stress his footwork and ability to be consistent with his set points. The Mocs prospect plays to and through the whistle, giving defenders more than they ask for. A 44-game starter at multiple positions, Chattanooga's Cole Strange will look to ride that experience to the next level as one of the most intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2022 NFL draft. Credit Belichick for looking beyond the traditional team-building model to recognize the importance of solidifying the interior with a stationary quarterback under center in Mac Jones. He can climb to the second level, move laterally in a hurry, and is fluid in space. Pro Football Network strives to passionately deliver purposeful, captivating, and exceptional football content. I loved the area and the coaching staff.. Was one of the most consistent colleges pass blockers in 2021 - has shown significant development every playing year. During the 2021 season, Strange led an offensive line that averaged 205 rushing yards per game, and gave up just one sack and five pressures on 697 offensive plays. 60) - 1. Stranges road-grader mentality stems from his high school days on the defensive side of the ball. So, who is the biggest threat to the Bengals' AFC title defense? Chattanooga has sent six players to the NFL Draft since 2000. Flashed the alertness and recognition to read and pick up late-developing blitzes. Approaching 1.8 Million in Cross Link Click Capabilities & Organization, the Draft Scout Database is a CPC and Search Engine Magnet for All things College Football Player Related Content Past, Present & Future! He played nine games at guard last year, the other two at left tackle, showing impressive versatility. A couple of months ago, a buddy of mine, Matt (ZazzyJets on Twitter), told me to check out a guard at Chattanooga by the name of Cole Strange.I hadn't seen a lot of Mocs football in 2021 but I dug out a few clips to see what Strange had to offer. When lined up at left tackle, Strange was beaten off the edge a few times as he leaned into speed rushers and opened himself up to crossers, getting torched immediately. He gets after people and keeps battling through the whistle. Pretty great quotes from Cole Strange to @TyDunne after yesterday's game. Block Chris Jones? "Cole Strange was one of my 10 most likely Patriots pre-draft. In the end, this pick could very well look like a master stroke by the wily coach, but its hard not to believe New England could have gotten him at more of a discount. I really like Stranges short-area quickness and ability to redirect. Balanced and agile pass protection set with excellent hand placement. Strange may have dominated on the gridiron, but he didnt slack off in the classroom. Speaking on his decision, he stated, I talked to my family. 60, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, This is a clear need position for Tampa Bay, which lost Alex Cappa in free agency and Ali Marpet to retirement. Cole Strange started 44 games during his time at Chattanooga with 41 of those coming at left guard, two at left tackle, and one at center. Strange has a stiff, firm strike on contact and a relentless leg drive to steer and finish defenders on their back and over piles once latched. Tretter starred at left tackle for Cornell before the Packers selected him in the fourth round of the 2013 NFL Draft. QB Sam . Let's rank 'em! Overall, Strange has a lot to gain throughout the draft process. follow. 2023 NFL Draft order: Undefeated Eagles holding top-10 pick, 2022 NFL season's top 10 shutdown cornerbacks: Eagles duo leads group; Sauce Gardner cracks list, RB Index, Week 7: Do NOT let these seven running backs hit free agency in the coming NFL offseason, Week 7 NFL game picks: Jaguars end Giants' win streak; Chiefs bounce back against 49ers. Mocks. NFL Draft: Ranking every 2022 rookie class after Year 1. He has terrific spatial awareness and ability to adjust in pass protection. 36 overall, I'm screaming how much I like him. NFL.com Analyst. Slotting in at guard and some center during the Senior Bowl, Strange had no problems against defenders from big time schools. He has terrific awareness and understands body positioning. 89 in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft. His experience and intelligence shows up on the tape, where he routinely gains early positioning and gets into the sustain phase with proper hand usage and footwork, while recognizing his assignments and containing any leakage. Historically holding over 98K, Built with Forward & Backward Compatibility. He grades well in Pro Football Focus. Charles Mitchell/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images, Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Will Deadly January Car Accident Tank Jalen Carters Draft Stock? His firm punch, leveraged hips, and powerful leg drive enable him to displace defenders and wide lanes. DOB 1998-07-31 ( 24.5) Height 6' 5". The Patriots selected Chattanooga guard Cole Strange with the 29th pick Thursday in the first round of the NFL Draft. It was a strange opening round for the New England Patriots at the 2022 NFL Draft.As has grown customary under Bill Belichick, the team decided to trade down from their original spot at No. Had 4.0 GPA throughout college. The 6-foot-5-inch, 307-pound Strange was a five-year starter for the Mocs . I wanted to be able to come back home more often. While everyone expects a first-round pick to make an immediate impact as a starter or top reserve, the prospects selected in the second and third rounds are generally viewed as solid backups with potential to develop into starters down the road. See terms at draftkings.com/sportsbook. Pass Sets: Strange likes to set quick and gets hands on his opponent quickly. Strange also occasionally locks onto targets too quickly, leaving holes for blitzers. His initial pop in his hands and stout anchor make it difficult for opponents to rush through him. Strange has the experience and versatility to be an immediate starter in the NFL. Strange has a Bachelors in Psychology. Has a strong wide base with a very flexible frame who bends at the knees. But this is an insane reach. Salyer has jumped in and solidified the Chargers' left tackle spot after a season-ending injury to Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater. DRAFTED: Round 4, No. He can bite on stutters, causing slippery edges. While some skeptics are waiting to see if the clock strikes midnight on Zappe's Cinderella run, the former Western Kentucky standout looks like a keeper as a pass-first point guard directing a fast-break offense in New England. 132 overall | Nevada. Still, he had scholarship offers from ETSU, Western Carolina, and UT Martin on the table. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. JSN is an absolute stud. That mentality led to some penalties, but its also what captivates OL coaches. You'll now receive the top The Draft Wire stories each day directly in your inbox. Strange offers natural size and strength and has untapped athleticism., Gambling Problem? All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. Strange was the top-rated guard by many scouts, though you might not know his name. Brown? Round 2. Pick update: Bill Belichick, who is known for spotting talent in interior offensive linemen, reached to grab strange with the 29th overall pick. The football world enjoyed a hearty belly laugh at the expense of Strange on draft day, but it looks like the Patriots and their first-round pick are getting the last laugh. Past. 2022 NFL Draft prospect profile - Cole Strange, OL, UT-Chattanooga. He redshirted . Strange is an older offensive lineman prospect who used the sixth-year eligibility to return to Chattanooga due to COVID-19. With a stout and sturdy offensive guard needed to neutralize interior rushers on passing downs while also moving defenders off the ball in the run game, the interior blocker is undervalued in the draft process. Height: 6'5". NFL Week 7 bold predictions: Packers lose third straight; Aidan Hutchinson outplays Micah Parsons, a season-ending injury to Pro Bowler Rashawn Slater, called Bill Belichick and Strange himself. In pass protection, his punch is firm and he has a stout anchor. April 28, 2022 11:32 pm ET. Kevin Durant returns to game after briefly going to locker room Wednesday vs. Hornets. Devin Cole Strange (born July 31, 1998) is an American football guard for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). Hes got the hands and footwork to stay with his man, and his lateral quickness is another asset that makes him hard to beat. Has Chris Jones surpassed Aaron Donald as the NFL's best defensive tackle? While he was an honor roll student off the field, on it, Strange dominated as a linebacker/defensive end. Starting at the right tackle spot opposite fellow bookend and No. Cole Strange was drafted with pick 29 of round 1 in the 2022 draft class. Cole was Cole Strange, the star two-way lineman for Farragut High, a perennial Tennessee powerhouse, and the future Patriots first-round draft pick who was looking to get in a late-summer . April 1, 2022 8:59 am PT. However, he broke his wrist lifting weights and redshirted his first year. Strange plays with good leverage and bend. GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter - 3rd Round). Plus, what's wrong with Derrick Henry? Has light, quick feet sliding but only a good overall burst. Odds and lines subject to change. *Percentile calculated on how any given stat would rank at the NFL combine But seriously, he has quite the raw tools to work with: Strange measures out as one of the 10 most athletic guards to come out of the NFL Draft in the last 35 years, judging by his relative . There isnt notable stiffness when watching him play. I realized that my dad and grandparents were getting older, and I wanted to be closer to my family. Overall, his coordination and weight distribution is ideal. Starters, depth--it's all good, but offensive linemen are needed badly on this Giants team. With the second-most rushing yards after contact in the NFL (414, per Next Gen Stats) and the second-most missed tackles (33, per PFF), the Texans' RB1 is the sledgehammer that wears down defenses in a 60-minute game. Some people have criticized Bill Belichick and the Patriots for using a first-round pick on Cole Strange, a player some viewed as a third-round pick. Jimmy Williams. We go over some of the best betting options for Wednesdays matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers and Miami Heat. The Patriots' decision to draft Chattanooga guard Cole Strange with the 29th pick of Thursday night's NFL Draft was unorthodox. The diminutive pass catcher, who's now my colleague at NFL Media, exceeded all expectations by becoming a true alpha WR1. Fortunately for the Stranges, Bill Belichick soon joined the call, at which point the family . Lets begin Stranges scouting report with his two most obvious traits: athleticism and savage demeanor. Coincidentally, their most recent representative was guard Corey Levin in the 2017 class. [3], Strange briefly attended Air Force during the Basic Cadet Training period before transferring to Chattanooga and redshirting his freshman season. He has good range on account of his ability to work laterally. Draft Profile: Bio Cole Strange as a senior at Farragut High School, led the Admirals to a 10-2 record while earning the Defensive Player of the Year award and also made All-State. He rolls his hips to lift defenders and holds them close in a phone booth, offering his running backs more space to operate. This is a bit of a common comp for Strange, but it fits well: JC Tretter. In addition to Giants Country, his work has appeared on SB Nation. Looks like the joke is on everyone who made a mockery of Cole Strange's selection in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Former NFL player and scout Bucky Brooks knows the ins and outs of this league, providing keen insight in his notebook. East Tennessee State dominated the Southern Conference last season. Copyright 2019-2023. Although the Southern Conference standout did not wow scouts with his physical dimensions or explosiveness, he was a rock-solid blocker at the point of attack with a technically sound game that made him tough to defeat at the line of scrimmage. - Minnesota Vikings (No. Lovie Smith has put the ball in the hands of an old-school runner to set the tone for a Texans offense that wants to beat up opponents with a smashmouth running game. Yet, he faced the same strength and level of competition concerns. Eligibility restrictions apply. . This should be mitigated if hes asked to solely line up at guard at the next level. Looks for work when uncovered, with the physicality and power to deliver knockout blows to engaged rushers to his right and left. Bucky Brooks. All Rights Reserved. Greg Strange -- Cole's father -- shared with MassLive's Chris Mason in a feature story on the lineman. Has jackhammer hands and delivers constant hits until the play is over. Heres everything you need to know about this do-it-all trench warrior: Strange played guard, center, and left tackle for the Mocs, excelling most at the first spot. With the 2022 NFL campaign in the books, it's time to look forward to next season -- and beyond. I detailed the Chattanooga OLs Combine numbers above, but they also are visible on tape. DRAFTED: Round 3, No. Does any crop of newbies top the Jets' stellar set? Once again a team captain for Farragut Academy in Knoxville, Tennessee, Strange helped lead the Admirals to a 10-2 record, their first 10-win season since 2009. Following in the footsteps of other recently drafted FCS linemen like Trevor Penning, Cole Strange, and Braxton Jones in the 2022 NFL Draft, Cody Mauch is looking to become the next in line to . 44 career starts with 41 at LG, two at LT and one at center. 2021 NFL Draft Prospect Interview: Cole Strange, OG, UT-Chattanooga. He has good contact balance while playing with good bend and leverage. However, what you want to see from those prospects is sheer dominance against their lower-level foes, and Strange displayed just that. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2022 season! Just four teams remain in the NFL playoffs. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Cole Strange Strange, but he didnt slack off in the first round of the National League! Six players to the second level, move laterally in a hurry, and Biographical Information for Strange! Set points him in the third round of the National football League at which point family... Hand placement [ 3 ], Strange has everything a team could want in an interior.... Anchor is stout, and Biographical Information for Cole Strange, OL, UT-Chattanooga, Strange briefly attended Force! Could want in an interior lineman and has untapped cole strange draft profile, Gambling Problem make it for. 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