New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots moved on from a recent first-round draft choice on Tuesday.
The team released offensive lineman Cole Strange as part of roster cutdowns to 53 players. The decision came despite thin depth up front, according to Mike Reiss of ESPN.
Strange, who was drafted 29th overall in 2022 out of Tennessee-Chattanooga, made 29 starts across three seasons with the Patriots. He had opened this summer as a starter under new coach Mike Vrabel but quickly slid to reserve work at both guard and center.
Injuries factored into his decline. After suffering a significant knee injury in late 2023, Strange was limited to three games last year, as noted by the New York Post.
Though healthy entering camp, he could not hold off rookie Jared Wilson, a third-round pick from Georgia, now projected to step in at left guard. Ben Brown will serve as a primary backup.
Strange’s Patriots tenure ended before the conclusion of his rookie deal. He had even appeared on the unofficial depth chart as a starter before being overtaken by Wilson ahead of the preseason finale.
The release also underscores how little remains from the Bill Belichick era. Albert Breer of the MMQB highlighted that cornerback Christian Gonzalez is the only Belichick first-rounder still on the roster. Belichick had defended the Strange selection in 2022, praising his athleticism and versatility.
Vrabel has since made his own mark on the roster, parting with Strange along with multiple recent picks. The Patriots are moving forward with a younger option at left guard, leaving behind a surprising chapter in their draft history.
Tough choices continue to define New England’s transition in the post-Belichick era.
