With the 29th overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Chattanooga OL Cole Strange. What will Strange’s rookie contract look like, and where does he project into the Patriots’ current depth chart?
Cole Strange drafted 29th overall by the New England Patriots
It was always expected that the Patriots would look to address their offensive line. However, Strange was not the player that many expected them to take inside the first round.
Strange’s projected rookie contract
Because Strange was the 29th overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, this is what his projected rookie contract should look like. Contract numbers are from Over the Cap.
- Total Value: $13.7 million
- Signing Bonus: $7.2 million
- 2022 Base Salary: $705,000
- 2022 Cap Number: $2.5 million
Strange’s strengths and areas to improve
Here is a snapshot of what the Patriots will be getting with the selection of Strange. For further information, check out Strange’s full scouting report.
Strengths
- Hyper-athletic offensive lineman
- Can play guard and center
- Performed well at the Senior Bowl
Areas for improvement
- Lacks elite play strength
- Needs to refine hand usage
How does Strange project in the Patriots’ depth chart?
The Patriots certainly had a need to address the offensive line. They traded away Shaq Mason, and it has left a huge hole on the interior of the offensive line. Strange certainly could be a starter on this line in 2022, but it still felt like an odd selection in terms of its value.
When do the Patriots pick next in the 2022 NFL Draft?
As of the time they drafted Strange, the Patriots have these remaining picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
- Round 2 (Pick 54)
- Round 3 (Pick 85)
- Round 4 (Pick 121 from Chiefs via Dolphins)
- Round 4 (Pick 127)
- Round 5 (Pick 158 from Dolphins)
- Round 5 (Pick 183 from Texans)
- Round 6 (Pick 200)
- Round 6 (Pick 210 from Rams)
- Round 7 (Pick 245 from Cowboys via Texans)
For the full results and upcoming draft order, check out our pick-by-pick tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft.