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 . Name: Cole Strange. East Tennessee State dominated the Southern Conference last season. At the all-star event, Strange reportedly crushed interviews and had impressive reps in 1-on-1s against UConns Travis Jones, Houstons Logan Hall, and Oklahomas Perrion Winfrey. Mock Draft Database Sites; NFL NBA NHL MLB. Speaking on his decision, he stated, I talked to my family. Shoot, he was the last guy to win the receiving triple crown before Cooper Kupp accomplished the feat last season. Doesn't reset or refit his hands inside quickly enough, allowing defenders to slip out of his grasp and get to his edges to plug rushing lanes. In fact, it should mean he is more physically pro-ready for the NFL. Those are things NFL coaching, meal plans, and workout regimens can theoretically correct if he remains disciplined. Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald. Tracking where Cole Strange could be drafted in the 2022 NFL mock draft. [7] He decided to utilize the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played in the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic and return to Chattanooga for a sixth season. 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. Although he has tackle experience, Strange likely wont sniff the position in the NFL unless multiple players go down with injury. 195 overall | Georgia. New England Patriots fans had a strong reaction to Bill Belichick selecting Chattanooga offensive guard Cole Strange with the 29th pick in the first round of the NFL Draft. Buyers/sellers at 2022 NFL trade deadline: Should Packers target WR? Hell need to be more secure in his technique off the edge, and rely on his arms to latch onto the rusher. Odds and lines subject to change. Sign up for our newsletter and get every update delivered to your inbox! JSN is an absolute stud. Needs to work on his technique in pass protection, using more consistent leverage and continuing to move his feet. Conventional wisdom say the Texans will be looking for a quarterback like Alabama's Bryce Young (right) with their top . DATABASE. He can get pushed back in base blocking against bigger opponents, as he is on the leaner side for his position. He grades well in Pro Football Focus. Does any crop of newbies top the Jets' stellar set? 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. He should excel in a zone scheme with plenty of movement on the line, as Strange has the ideal athleticism to move laterally and cork any defenders in front of him, leading the way for the ball carrier. Thats him, and its with everything he does. Chattanooga head coach Rusty Wright, Cole Strange is somebody that I think all those outside zone teams are going to love. 2022 NFL Draft Scouting Report for Cole Strange. Was one of the most consistent colleges pass blockers in 2021 - has shown significant development every playing year. Has good footwork and technique. 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. 81, New York Giants, The Titans have limited depth at guard around center Ben Jones. Franchises who incorporate such a system can maximize Stranges strengths while minimizing his weaknesses. Strange has good contact balance while playing with good bend, hand usage, and leverage. With the 2022 NFL campaign in the books, it's time to look forward to next season -- and beyond. 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 . General managers, scouts and coaches are hoping to plug holes with top prospects, but the best teams also find key contributors in the mid-to-late rounds. Woolen appears to be another success story, with an interception in four straight games and an improving skill set that could make him a weekly problem for wideouts facing him on the island. However, he broke his wrist lifting weights and redshirted his first year. - Tennessee Titans (No. Weight: 310 lbs. This helps explain why the Patriots' decision to expend a first-round pick on a small-school guard drew confusion from observers around the social media world. 60) - 1. follow. Bucky Brooks breaks down the top five rookie classes of the 2022 NFL season. Greg Strange -- Cole's father -- shared with MassLive's Chris Mason in a feature story on the lineman. TDN Consensus: 75.92/100 (Third Round Value). Kevin Durant returns to game after briefly going to locker room Wednesday vs. Hornets. As a five-year starter at Tennessee-Chattanooga, Strange is going to be one of the older prospects taken in the 2022 NFL Draft, but that shouldnt hinder his role holding down the offensive line in the middle of the trenches. 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. Draft Team New England Patriots. The first-year starter has immediately impressed as a tackling machine with A+ instincts and diagnostic skills. 89 in the third round of the 1996 NFL Draft. He may want to add some bulk, and improve his already impressive strength to add to his sustain blocks so hes not pushed into the pocket. This is a bit of a common comp for Strange, but it fits well: JC Tretter. Fresh off his first season as a team captain and all-district player, Strange committed to Chattanooga in the summer prior to his senior season. Strange is regarded as one of the top interior offensive lineman in the draft. 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. If they want him at guard, I'm not sure how well he fits the gap/power stuff that has been a mainstay for Bill Belichick's team, and if . Cole Strange NFL Draft profile. He will need refinement to handle himself in isolated situations as a pass protector in the NFL and to learn how to more efficiently win back leverage as a run-blocker, but he has shown that he can dominate FCS competition, and his power and tenacity translated against a major bump up in competition against Kentucky as well as at the Senior Bowl. We break down Tennessee-Chattanooga OL Cole Strange with a scouting report heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. Teams should love his ability to boom quickly on move runs, and his long arm grasps on pass sets. Overall, Strange has a lot to gain throughout the draft process. Twitchy rushers can stress his footwork and ability to be consistent with his set points. With the Seahawks' offensive line providing solid protection at the line of scrimmage, Geno Smith is playing at a high level. Strange can also get the second level in hurry. He rolls his hips to lift defenders and holds them close in a phone booth, offering his running backs more space to operate. With more playing time and experience, the rookie's role could expand to include more opportunities to become a trusted chain-mover on critical downs. Moreover, Strange showcased sought-after flexibility throughout his lower body ankle flexion, knee bend, and low hip stance. https://draftwire.usatoday.com/lists/cole-strange-scouting-report-2022-nfl-draft-chattanooga-mocs-football/, 2023 NFL mock draft: New 1st-round projections with trades, 2023 NFL mock draft: Pre-combine 3-round forecast with trades, comp picks, 2023 NFL mock draft: 3-round projections after Senior Bowl week, 2023 NFL mock draft: New 3-round projections with trades, comp picks, Arrest warrant issued for Jalen Carter stemming from crash that killed teammate, staff member, 2023 NFL mock draft: 2-round projections with big trades, and a new No. I realized that my dad and grandparents were getting older, and I wanted to be closer to my family. During my scouting days, I would grade prospects based on how much they could theoretically contribute to the team in the first few years. Depot Draft Grade: 7.1 Raw Traits/Upside Prospect (4th Round) Games Watched: 2020 - At Kentucky, Vs Furman, At Wofford, At Mercer, Senior Bowl. Starting at the right tackle spot opposite fellow bookend and No. On his tape, it didnt lead to negative plays. Strange is a sixth-year player and five-year starter with 44 career starts primarily at left guard inside UT Chattanooga's run-heavy scheme (just under 65 percent runs in 2021). In 2017, he slotted in at right tackle but moved to left guard midseason due to poor play from the starter. 36 overall, I'm screaming how much I like him. DRAFTED: Round 4, No. The Draft Scout Database provides Many different Functions, Sorts, Exports & More for more than 25 Major Clients the past 15 Years. 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. 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. Unrefined footwork and set points in pass protection, with a habit of biting on stutters and hesitations that cause him to turn, over-set and create a soft edge for rushers to work through. Strange has a lean body type for an NFL guard, and although his athleticism will help him make up for it, he stands to gain some muscle mass in the league. The Patriots' decision to draft Chattanooga guard Cole Strange with the 29th pick of Thursday night's NFL Draft was unorthodox. His hands need some refinement, as re-fitting is an issue, and they linger too long. For all his previous success, 2021 would be Stranges national coming-out party. His arm extension and power grab makes it extremely hard for defenders to break from his grip or move him from his spot, providing ultimate sustainability from the guard spot. 44 career starts with 41 at LG, two at LT and one at center. He does offer positional flexibility but I like him best at guard where his run blocking and football IQ are best on display. He translates to a zone scheme due to his understanding of angles, overall athleticism, and grip/core strength. Still, there are a number of other prospects leaving the conference. [6], Strange started four of five possible games at left guard and won the Jacobs Blocking Award as the best blocker in the SoCon during redshirt senior season, which was shortened and played in the spring of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Even after the trade for Shaq Mason, the Bucs have a hole. From then on, the Mocs LG spot had Stranges name tattooed into it. We break down Tennessee-Chattanooga OL Cole Strange with a scouting report heading into the 2022 NFL Draft. All Combine and Draft-Related Analysis, News, Video, and Biographical Information for Cole Strange Strange is a nasty blocker with ideal temperament. Strange is competent in pass protection, but he thrives as a run blocker. Bucky Brooks. 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. (93%*), 4.50 (C) The San Francisco 49ers selected wide receiver Terrell Owens at No. Not physically imposing and has average overall strength. Historically holding over 98K, Built with Forward & Backward Compatibility. Speaking of, Strange never gives up on a rep, no matter where he is compared to the action. He has excellent timing in the run game and understands body positioning. Cole Strange NFL Draft Profile. To learn more or opt-out, read our Cookie Policy. Top 10 early steals from the 2022 NFL Draft class; Round 1 punchline Cole Strange is a Year 1 stud. 104 maybe.". In addition to Giants Country, his work has appeared on SB Nation. And though we're only six weeks into the first regular season for the Class of 2022, this group has plenty of non-first-rounders making their presence felt right off the bat. by. He also never allowed a sack. Nevertheless, he proved he could snap toward the end of his collegiate career and at the Senior Bowl. (62%*), 5.03 (C) 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. - First-team All-Southern Conference selection. Hes a good athlete that showcases the ability to work laterally and hit blocks in space. Accepted an invite to the 2022 Senior Bowl, becoming the eighth player in school history to do so. Moreover, they are able to neutralize the penetration that forces immobile quarterbacks to flee the pocket into the hands of more athletic pass rushers on the outside. When Strange was drafted towards the end of the first . 90) - 1. The NFL Draft is the critical component in the team-building process. Chattanooga just won their third conference championship. April 28, 2022 11:32 pm ET. Round 2. Cole Strange has what it takes to become a long-term starter for the New York Jets. His core and grip strength causes issues for even larger defensive tackles. He's often late to reposition his hands and feet to stay centered on blocks, which results in him getting grabby to stay attached. Upper body gets over his feet too often and he easily loses his balance. Rodriguez is a heavy-handed linebacker with a tough-guy mentality and non-stop motor. - Minnesota Vikings (No. The level of competition will always come up for prospects coming from lower-division programs. He has done some work as a center, but that area of his game might need some refinement for him to find a job as a pivot in the pros. 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. Devin Cole Strange (born July 31, 1998) is an American football guard for the New England Patriots of the National Football League (NFL). (100%*), Drafted: ROUND: 1 - Pick Number: 29 (NE), (NFL Combine historically - higher value represents better perfomance), SAN DIEGO COUNTY CREDIT UNION HOLIDAY BOWL, Very good athlete who put up some excellent numbers at the combine. Fortunately for the Stranges, Bill Belichick soon joined the call, at which point the family . Team Given some time to study the film and chat with a few scouts about this rookie class, I'd like to reveal my top 10 early draft steals. Coming from that lineage, expectations . A strong Senior Bowl, followed by good testing during the combine and pro day events, could lead to a significant jump in his draft stock. When I was working for the Carolina Panthers back in the aughts, I got a first-hand look at Steve Smith's rise from third-round return specialist to first-team All-Pro wide receiver. Today's installment covers: \-\- A Strange development: Patriots' widely lampooned first-rounder paying dividends. In a COVID-shortened 2020 campaign, Strange started four of five games, once again receiving second-team all-conference honors. Patriots draft profile: Jordan Davis would have a transformative effect on New England's defense; Patriots draft profile: Cole Strange could help bring some added versatility to New England's . Since 2001, made Public in 2003, Draft Scout has been the Gold Standard Industry Leading Database Build for Compiling & Charting College Football Prospects from Prep to Pro. Yet, he faced the same strength and level of competition concerns. Yes, Hall is the only second-rounder on this list. Void in ONT. Cole Strange NFL draft player profile, with bio, stats and videos Balanced and agile pass protection set with excellent hand placement. . [13] He was named the Patriots starting left guard as a rookie, and started every game. Roger Goodell announcing Strange's name on the opening night of this past April's draft was a surprise to everyone, draft analysts and fans alike. Starters, depth--it's all good, but offensive linemen are needed badly on this Giants team. A smooth mover and covers a lot of ground, working hard to mirror rushers; agile and keeps his feet moving. And apparently, the coach called Bill Belichick and Strange himself to explain that he was a big fan of the pick and the player. Position: Guard/Center School: Chattanooga Current Year: Redshirt Senior; Height: 6'4 3/8 Weight: 307 pounds Wingspan: 80 1/8 Arm: 33 1/8 Hand: 10 1/8 Cole Strange Scouting Report. He recently sat down with NFL Draft Diamonds writer Jimmy Williams. Previous 2022 NFL Draft Player Profiles. Wanted: Offensive linemen. Fluid getting to and adjust at the second level. Overall, Strange can provide versatility as a reserve but has the traits needed to develop into a quality starter. 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! Eligibility restrictions apply. "If we had stayed at 21, then we would have obviously picked somebody. GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup/Potential Starter - 3rd Round). Pierce is a perfect fit, as a downhill back who runs through arm tackles and glancing blows. New year new team? Click on an image to pull up the story you wish to read. Cole Strange, OG, Chattanooga (6-4, 301) . But a visit to Air Force was enough to steal him from Chattanooga, as Strange de-committed from the Mocs and signed a letter of intent with the Falcons in February 2016. Plus, what's behind Steve Wilks' success in Carolina and examining a pass-rushing duo on the rise. As the Patriots continue to evolve defensively, Jones' emergence as a potential lockdown corner could allow Belichick to open up the playbook. - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (No. Draft Year 2022. This should be mitigated if hes asked to solely line up at guard at the next level. DRAFTED: Round 3, No. 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. 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