Rd 1, #29 - Cole Strange, IOL, Chattenooga

[Flagg the Wanderer]

Per request of El Jefe Payaso...discuss.

Maybe try to keep it civil?

 

[SkiptoMyLou]

If he becomes a solid day one starter I won't care if he was picked 29th or 272nd.

In other words, I'm willing to wait and see.

Also Pats picks are usually never sexy with the clear exception being last year, so it's not like I had wild expectations set.

Edit: I also don't recall the last Patriots high pick in the OL that wasn't at least a rookie contract starter, so there is a good track record especially compared to other positions.

 

[Flagg the Wanderer]

I strongly suspect he's a day one starter, and while there will undoubtedly be growing pains, my guess is that he'll be fine. And at least total money over the next several years than Mason would have gotten just next year.

While there's a consensus that he needs to add some bulk, there's also consensus that he's smart, tough, gritty, and has a non-stop motor. Plus really fast and quick for a guard, something of a headhunter at the second level. No mistakes sort of pass blocker.

But being smart running the Chattenooga offense isn't the same as running the Patriots offense.

We'll see, I guess. Assuming everyone survives the media Sharknado.

 

[Big/Sky/Fly]

WAY overdrafted...

 

[Grogan]

If he becomes a solid day one starter I won't care if he was picked 29th or 272nd.

In other words, I'm willing to wait and see.

Also Pats picks are usually never sexy with the clear exception being last year, so it's not like I had wild expectations set.

Edit: I also don't recall the last Patriots high pick in the OL that wasn't at least a rookie contract starter, so there is a good track record especially compared to other positions.

Really?? Ok, for the sake of argument lets say he is a solid day one starter. So what, we already had a borderline pro bowl starter that Bill gave away for peanuts, so at best, we went the long way to fill a hole the he created and the team is no better. You can blow Bill all you like, this pick makes zero sense.

 

[SkiptoMyLou]

Really?? Ok, for the sake of argument lets say he is a solid day one starter. So what, we already had a borderline pro bowl starter that Bill gave away for peanuts, so at best, we went the long way to fill a hole the he created and the team is no better. You can blow Bill all you like, this pick makes zero sense.

I'm not "blowing Bill", I'm not sure what your fixation is with people seeing things differently than you. If you're going to disagree, you are free to do so, but do it like an adult.

I liked Mason as much as the next guy, but that was a salary cap move. It's not the first time it happens and I can almost guarantee you it won't be the last time.

 

[Big/Sky/Fly]

Guard is a definite need. Not knocking the pick. The value however isn't there though. Especially when Mason was traded for a 5th. Both moves were questionable.

 

[jayShomp]

It's so hard to predict what OL are going to do unless they're a can't miss stud. I mean Andrews was undrafted then came in and saved the 2015 season as a rookie. Who says this kid can't do the same, some scouting report talking about his corralling hands?

 

[TommyD420]

Guard is a definite need. Not knocking the pick. The value however isn't there though. Especially when Mason was traded for a 5th. Both moves were questionable.

I could argue Onwenu and Strange are an upgrade over what we got at the end of last year from Mason and Karras, for about 10 million less, with several more years of control.

Put it this way, they don't trade Mason if they didn't have a plan to replace him, and since 3 IOL went in the first round beforehand, getting Strange (whose stock was rising according to pretty much everyone), and the chance to get him for 5 years at cheap money is too good to pass up.

I wanted Wyatt myself, and idk if the Patriots would have taken him if he were still there, but it makes sense to me.

We're going to look back at this first round in a few years, and realize maybe 5 of these guys were actual stars, and one, maybe two of them were corners. This draft is deep, but it's not super top-heavy. We'll see how it shakes out.

 

[vertigho]

"It's a cliche, and it seems simple, but it's like, you know, when you want to be great at something, it's not like there are secrets, you just have to spend a lot of time doing it".

I like the guy already.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnCGYShHGxA

 

[TommyD420]

"It's a cliche, and it seems simple, but it's like, you know, when you want to be great at something, it's not like there are secrets, you just have to spend a lot of time doing it".

I like the guy already.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wnCGYShHGxA

Check out the tape toward the end of that. That was against UK.

 

[vertigho]

Check out the tape toward the end of that. That was against UK.

Yep, I watched his snaps against them. I think they got a good one. Needs to bulk up and improve his play strength, but from a technique/footwork/hand usage perspective, effort/motor, and understanding of the game, he looks as good as anyone. I'm liking the pick more and more.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNOBUPBEjgE

 

[Big/Sky/Fly]

I could argue Onwenu and Strange are an upgrade over what we got at the end of last year from Mason and Karras, for about 10 million less, with several more years of control.

Put it this way, they don't trade Mason if they didn't have a plan to replace him, and since 3 IOL went in the first round beforehand, getting Strange (whose stock was rising according to pretty much everyone), and the chance to get him for 5 years at cheap money is too good to pass up.

I wanted Wyatt myself, and idk if the Patriots would have taken him if he were still there, but it makes sense to me.

We're going to look back at this first round in a few years, and realize maybe 5 of these guys were actual stars, and one, maybe two of them were corners. This draft is deep, but it's not super top-heavy. We'll see how it shakes out.

Just as long as he's not a bust...this draft pick sounds Mankins like.

 

[TommyD420]

Yep, I watched his snaps against them. I think they got a good one. Needs to bulk up and improve his play strength, but from a technique/footwork/hand usage perspective, effort/motor, and understanding of the game, he looks as good as anyone. I'm liking the pick more and more.

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GNOBUPBEjgE

He can pull too, get out on screens.

This offense is going to be much different than last year's, and the defense is too.

Now, if the Patriots take 8 more offensive linemen in the draft, I'd have a reason to be upset. I just don't think they're going to do that.

Also, they have picks to trade for players now as well.

 

[TipRoast]

Just as long as he's not a bust...this draft pick sounds Mankins like.

Yes, and I remember when Mankins was drafted. BB was heavily criticized for using a first round pick on a guard.

Looking back, it turned out OK.

 

[sg14]

He can pull too, get out on screens.

This offense is going to be much different than last year's, and the defense is too.

Now, if the Patriots take 8 more offensive linemen in the draft, I'd have a reason to be upset. I just don't think they're going to do that.

Also, they have picks to trade for players now as well.

Wide zone here we come.

 

[Big/Sky/Fly]

Yes, and I remember when Mankins was drafted. BB was heavily criticized for using a first round pick on a guard.

Looking back, it turned out OK.

Yup, as long as he's a good player...that's all that really matters.

 

[TommyD420]

Yup, as long as he's a good player...that's all that really matters.

I'd rather have this guy at 4/12 (or 5/20) than Karras at 3/18 🤷

 

[Big/Sky/Fly]

I bet that Strange was as surprised as the fans were when he got drafted that high.

 

[Ryan91]

A pick at a position of need, and I'm glad that we've got a bit more protection up front for Mac.

Roll on Day 2, WR next if possible please, Bill!