Through two seasons, Cole Strange hasn’t developed into the franchise guard the New England Patriots thought they were getting when they took him in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft.
But could his future be at a different position?
Strange is working his way back from a torn patellar tendon suffered late last season but is expected to play sometime in 2024. And, while speaking with reporters Monday morning, New England head coach Jerod Mayo indicated Strange could be greeted by a positional change when he returns from his injury.
Jerod Mayo Teases Potential Cole Strange Position Change
Some evaluators pegged Strange as a likely NFL center ahead of the 2021 draft. And though the 26-year-old showed major strides at guard before injuring his knee, Strange could see snaps at center after he’s cleared to resume practicing.
“Yeah, that was always a possibility when we drafted Cole,” Mayo said when asked about trying Strange at center. “He did have that flex to be able to go in there and snap. In saying that, I’m not sure when Cole will be ready to go; that’s for the medical professionals and Cole to decide.
“But, if he’s healthy, he’ll definitely get some of those opportunities.”
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Mayo then offered additional insight into what makes Strange an intriguing option at center.
“I would say his overall athleticism,” Mayo said. “He’s one of those guys that, even though he’s a bigger guy, he can move and he can move bodies. He’s a very athletic offensive lineman in my opinion.”
Moving Strange to center is easier said than done, and it remains to be seen how the third-year pro will look after suffering a major knee injury. However, on the surface, a positional change might be the best path for the Patriots to take with their 2022 first-rounder.
PFN Analysis: Moving Strange to Center Makes Total Sense
We might need to alter this take if Sidy Sow’s ankle injury is serious. But, as currently constructed, the Patriots really don’t need more guards.
Sow is starting-caliber at both guard spots. Rookie guard Layden Robinson struggled Sunday night, but he was one of the Patriots’ best offensive linemen throughout training camp and could be a Week 1 starter. Mike Onwenu is one of the best right guards in the NFL — even though the Patriots might need him to play right tackle.
New England also has intriguing developmental options in sophomore Atonio Mafi, who showed promise at guard in 2023 but was awful at center this summer, and undrafted rookie Liam Fornadel, who also can play both spots. The Patriots should be able to find guards if they need them.
But center is a different story.
David Andrews remains an excellent center but pondered retirement last offseason. Jake Andrews, a fourth-round pick in 2023, barely played as a rookie and will miss all of 2024 due to an injury. Veteran Nick Leverett was solid during camp but faded toward the end and was a disaster in the preseason finale.
In other words, the Patriots don’t have reliable short- or long-term depth at one of the most important positions of offense. So, why not give Strange a shot?
Strange spent most of his collegiate career at guard but started six halves at center in 2019 due to injuries on Chattanooga’s offensive line. He also turned heads while taking center reps at the 2022 Senior Bowl, although he was far from perfect.
The Patriots have nothing to lose by giving Strange a look at center.
The worst-case scenario is Strange struggling to adjust to the position and moving back to guard. The best-case scenario is Strange justifying the move and emerging as the 32-year-old Andrews’ successor.
Either way, the Patriots probably won’t pick up Strange’s fifth-year option next offseason. And they could revisit the positional change next summer if circumstances force Strange to stay at guard this season.
At this point, Strange is one of the top busts of the 2022 draft. But his NFL story still is being written, and a move to center could give Strange renewed hope of justifying his draft slot.