Patriots 1st-rounder surprisingly labeled as trade candidate

Patrick McAvoy

Patriots 1st-rounder surprisingly labeled as trade candidate image

The New England Patriots have done a good job adding to the organization this offseason, specifically on the offensive line. 

New England drafted Will Campbell in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft and went out and signed Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury. The Patriots have done a good job reloading and the line looks to be in better shape right now than at any point over the last few years. While this is the case, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport surprisingly called 2022 first-round pick Cole Strange a trade candidate.

"OG Cole Strange," Davenport said. "When the New England Patriots drafted small-school standout Cole Strange out of Chattanooga (choo-choo) in 2022, it sent quite a few eyebrows skyward. But it was hardly the first time Bill Belichick had zigged when others zagged. Strange has shown nothing to indicate that Belichick was right. The 6’5”, 310-pounder started all 17 games at left guard as a rookie but struggled mightily. Then, the injuries hit—Strange missed seven games in 2023 and played in just three a year ago.

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"Not surprisingly, the Patriots passed on Strange’s fifth-year option. And now, per Pats Planet, Strange is losing first-team reps to journeyman Tyrese Robinson...Strange isn’t going to beat out veteran Garrett Bradbury at center, and his days in New England appear to be numbered."

This doesn't seem particularly likely at this point. The Patriots have been thin on the offensive line. Why trade any depth at this point?

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Patrick McAvoy

Patrick McAvoy's experiences include local and national sportswriting across baseball, football and basketball. He has provided coverage for the Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Philadelphia Eagles and Boston Celtics throughout his career. 

Outside of journalism, Patrick also has received a Masters of Business Administration Degree from Brandeis University and studied communication and business at Merrimack College where he earned his Bachelor's Degree.