The New England Patriots’ new-look offensive line aims for a drastic improvement in Drake Maye’s first season as the full-time starting quarterback after consistently ranking as the worst O-line unit in PFF’s rankings in 2024. The team currently has three starting spots locked in: Will Campbell at left tackle, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and Morgan Moses at right tackle, with two vacancies remaining. Highlighting one of the two openings is at left guard, with many players in contention, including a former starter.
New England Patriots’ 1st-round pick missed most of 2024
Cole Strange suffered a season-ending torn patellar tendon in Week 15 of the 2023 season, typically a six-to-twelve-month recovery time. He began the 2024 season on the physically unable to perform (PUP list) for the first 15 weeks. Strange made his long-awaited return in Week 16 and played the final three weeks, including starting the final two games at center.
Also Read: New England Patriots: Placed 2 Offensive Starters on PUP List
The Patriots declined his fully guaranteed $16.685 million 5th-year option for the 2026 season, making him an unrestricted free agent next offseason. He will compete for the left guard position, his old starting spot, against Layden Robinson, Tyrese Robinson, and Sidy Sow.
Also Read: 5th-Year Option Tracker for the 2022 NFL Draft
New England Patriots’ 1st-round pick looks to regain starting job
So far, Cole Strange has split first-team reps with the starting offense throughout OTAs and mandatory minicamp. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, he is currently the frontrunner at left guard. While Strange is in the lead, the competition will continue in the summer, and we will have a better idea once they put the pads on.
Cole Strange is excited to be healthy for summer workouts
“I feel like it was just good to get back into some short of rhythm of playing football because, what was it, December of ’23, pretty much, to November to December of ’24, no football for me,” Strange said, via Griffin Goodwyn of Athlon Sports. “You all understand. Whenever you hadn’t done something for a year, you just get rusty. So, just being able to get out there, get some practice reps, play in the game, see that speed, I think it was good to shock me back into it.”
