The New England Patriots are taking on the New York Giants in the final preseason game of the season. Final roster cuts are coming Tuesday morning, making this the last chance for former first round pick Cole Strange to prove he belongs on the 2025 roster.
Strange is firmly planted in the hot seat after acquiring starting center Garrett Bradbury and drafting presumed starter, Jared Wilson, in April’s draft. Strange is an interior offensive lineman, of which the Patriots have plenty.
Tonight Strange needs to prove that he has value in more places than one. New England Patriots’ writer Mike Dussault says he is expected to get work at center as well as guard.
“The interior offensive line remains unsettled, but the three main competitors for the starting left guard and center spot — Garrett Bradbury, Ben Brown and Jared Wilson — are likely to have the night off,” Dussault writes. “That will put a spotlight on the potential backups, any of whom could be thrust into a more significant role at any time this season. Cole Strange is expected to get reps at center, a chance to demonstrate his interior swing value.”
The Pats are expected to keep anywhere from eight to ten offensive lineman. Without the ability to play tackle, Strange has to be one of the five best interior players in this unit.
All signs point to tonight’s battle as the last opportunity for Strange to pull off the improbable, I’m rooting for him.
“With questions remaining at a number of spots, Thursday could be a defining moment for this group,” Russault concludes.
Strange Named ‘Cut Candidate’ By NFL’s Reporters
Being a former first round pick, Cole Strange has enough name recognition to land him in national sport talks. As such, writers for NFL.com have identified him as a high profile “cut candidate”.
“Strange was a curious first-round selection in 2022, viewed primarily as a developmental Day 2 prospect then, and his NFL journey has been rife with setbacks, injuries and struggles,” NFL.com’s Eric Edholm wrote. “The Patriots have tried him at guard and center, and Strange really hasn’t stuck at either spot. And it’s not as if the offensive line is completely sorted out either. It just feels like Strange is in need of a fresh start.”
He enters this season on the fourth and final year of his rookie deal after the team declined his fifth-year option. What was once viewed as a “prove it” move, has quickly become a way to make the splitting of the two parties a clean break.
Keep Your Eyes On Keion White Tonight
On the other side of the ball, a former high profile draft pick is also going to attempt to make a statement. Fan-favorite Keion White is not expected to be playing for his job, but a strong showing could land him in a more favorable role in this defense.
He has been phased out by new head coach Mike Vrabel’s additions in the linebacker room. Drafting an edge rusher and signing a pair has made the former Georgia Tech quarterback sacker an after thought.
He is expected to play heavy minutes tonight.
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