The New England Patriots have made considerable efforts to revamp their offense this offseason, including strategic free agency moves and selecting QB Drake Maye with the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the rookie quarterback will be without a key protector for part of the season.
NFL insider Ian Rapoport reports that Cole Strange will miss the start of the 2024 season due to a knee injury sustained late in the 2023 season. Strange is anticipated to be out until midseason. Before this injury, Strange had been a consistent starter for the Patriots.
Head coach Jerod Mayo commented, “He’s more of a week-by-week or even month-by-month situation. He is working hard on his rehab and is present every day, which is encouraging.”
Strange, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is a crucial part of an offensive line that includes Mike Onwenu, Sidy Sow, Jake Andrews, and Chukwuma Okorafor. The Patriots will need to find a replacement at left guard to protect rookie QB Drake Maye.
Potential replacements for Strange include right guard Sidy Sow, who could shift to left guard but would need to return to his original position once Strange is back, creating midseason transition challenges. Another option is former Tampa Bay Buccaneer guard Nick Leverett, who has experience at left guard and performed well in pass blocking during his time with the Buccaneers. Lastly, fourth-round rookie Layden Robinson, who excelled as a run blocker at Texas A&M, could be considered, although his pass protection skills may not be ideal for the left guard position.
The Patriots are likely to opt for Leverett to temporarily replace Strange and may bring in additional support during training camp.
