Brief Introduction of Cole Strange
Devin Cole Strange is an American professional football player, primarily known for his tenure as an offensive guard in the National Football League (NFL). Strange gained significant public and media attention when he was surprisingly selected by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, a move that drew considerable scrutiny given projections that he would be available in later rounds. After three seasons with the Patriots, marked by a promising rookie year followed by injury struggles, Cole Strange was released by the team in August 2025. His career highlights his journey from a standout player at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to a first-round NFL pick and the challenges faced at the professional level.
Cole Strange Overview
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Devin Cole Strange |
| Date of Birth | July 31, 1998 |
| Age | 27 years old (as of August 27, 2025) |
| Birthplace | Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 310 lb (141 kg) |
| Profession | American Football Player |
| Position | Offensive Guard (primarily left guard), also played Center |
| NFL Draft | 2022, Round 1, Pick 29 (New England Patriots) |
| College | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (2016–2021) |
| Former NFL Team | New England Patriots (2022–2024) |
| Career Status | Free Agent (released August 26, 2025) |
| Estimated Net Worth (as of 2025) | Approximately $12.26 million (based on fully guaranteed rookie contract) |
Early Life and Education of Cole Strange
Devin Cole Strange was born on July 31, 1998, in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he also grew up. His formative years in Knoxville saw him attend Farragut High School, where he distinguished himself on the football field. While at Farragut, Strange predominantly played as a defensive end, showcasing his athleticism and impact on that side of the ball. As a senior, his performance earned him the title of Knoxville Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year, recording an impressive 103.5 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks. He was recognized as a two-star recruit by various scouting services.
Initially, Cole Strange committed to play college football at the Air Force Academy. However, his time there was brief, as he attended during the Basic Cadet Training period before ultimately transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). This decision marked a pivotal moment in his collegiate career. Upon arriving at Chattanooga, Strange redshirted his freshman season in 2016, partly due to injury. During this period, he transitioned from playing defensive end to the offensive line, a move that would define his football trajectory. This position change proved to be a strategic decision, as he went on to become one of the most decorated offensive linemen in the Mocs’ history. He utilized an extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes who played during the COVID-19-affected 2020 season, allowing him to play for a sixth year at Chattanooga through 2021.
Cole Strange’s Career
College Career
Cole Strange’s career at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was marked by consistent performance and notable accolades. After redshirting his freshman year, he made his debut as a redshirt freshman in 2017, playing in ten games and starting six at left guard. Over the next four years, Strange became a fixture on the Mocs’ offensive line, primarily at left guard. His strong play earned him Second-team All-Southern Conference (SoCon) honors for three consecutive seasons from 2018 to 2020.
During his redshirt senior season in the spring of 2021 (a season shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Strange continued to excel, starting four of five possible games at left guard and earning his first Jacobs Blocking Award as the best blocker in the SoCon. He then utilized the NCAA’s extra year of eligibility, returning for a sixth season in 2021. In his final year, he achieved First-team All-SoCon status and secured his second consecutive Jacobs Blocking Award. Furthermore, he was recognized as the Southern Conference Male Athlete of the Year in 2021. After concluding his college career, Strange received invitations to both the 2022 Senior Bowl and the NFL Scouting Combine, where he impressed scouts and further raised his draft stock.
Professional Career: New England Patriots (2022-2024)
The 2022 NFL Draft saw Cole Strange make history as the first player ever drafted from Chattanooga in the first round. The New England Patriots selected him as the 29th overall pick, a decision made after trading down from their original 21st pick. This selection was widely considered a significant reach by many draft analysts, who had projected Strange to be a Day 2 or Day 3 prospect. The pick even garnered public laughter from Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead during a viral video, who reportedly believed Strange would have been available much later in the draft. His family initially thought the draft call was a prank.
Despite the scrutiny surrounding his draft position, Cole Strange quickly cemented his role in New England. As a rookie in 2022, he was named the Patriots’ starting left guard and started all 17 regular-season games. This made him the 25th Patriots rookie under then-head coach Bill Belichick to start on opening day. His rookie season performance earned him an overall PFF grade of 54.6.
The 2023 season brought challenges for Strange, as he dealt with injuries that limited his playing time. He started 10 games but suffered a torn patellar tendon in his left knee during Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs, which prematurely ended his season. The injury was significant and led to him being placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to start the 2024 season. He was activated from the PUP list on December 10, 2024, and made three appearances, including two starts at center, a new position for him.
Release from Patriots and Future Outlook
Leading up to the 2025 season, the Patriots opted not to pick up the fifth-year option on Strange’s rookie contract, signaling uncertainty about his long-term future with the team. Despite starting 2025 training camp as the presumed top left guard, he quickly fell down the depth chart, working with second and third units, often at center. On August 26, 2025, Cole Strange was officially waived by the New England Patriots as part of the final roster cuts to reach the 53-man limit. In his three seasons with the Patriots, he played in 30 games and started 29.
His release was widely discussed, with many sports analysts highlighting it as a clear indication of the Patriots turning a new page from the Bill Belichick era and further underscoring the controversial nature of his initial draft selection. Despite the setbacks and injuries, at 27 years old and with first-round pedigree and NFL starting experience, Strange is expected to generate interest from other teams in need of offensive line help. His versatility, having played both guard and center, could make him an attractive prospect for a fresh start elsewhere.
Cole Strange Personal Life & Family
Cole Strange’s personal life reflects his roots in Knoxville, Tennessee, where he grew up with his family. His parents are Greg and Kimberly Strange. While specific details about his relationships or children are not widely publicized or confirmed in credible sources, Strange has shown a commitment to giving back to the community and honoring service members. He has been involved in initiatives like “My Cause My Cleats,” where he paid tribute to military personnel, demonstrating a connection to those who serve. This interest may stem from his brief initial commitment to the Air Force Academy during his college recruitment process. His focus appears to remain primarily on his professional football career and maintaining a private personal life.
Awards and Achievements of Cole Strange
Cole Strange’s career, both collegiate and professional, has seen him accumulate several notable awards and achievements, particularly during his time at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
| Award/Achievement | Year(s) | Category | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jacobs Blocking Trophy | 2020, 2021 | SoCon’s Best Blocker | Awarded to the best offensive lineman in the Southern Conference |
| First-team All-Southern Conference (SoCon) | 2021 | College Football | Recognized as a top offensive lineman in the SoCon |
| Second-team All-Southern Conference (SoCon) | 2018, 2019, 2020 | College Football | Three-time recipient during his college career |
| SoCon Male Athlete of the Year | 2021 | College Athletics | Honoring overall athletic excellence in the Southern Conference |
| Knoxville Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year | Senior Year (High School) | High School Football | Awarded for his performance as a defensive end at Farragut High School |
| 2022 NFL Draft First Round Pick | 2022 | Professional Football | Selected 29th overall by the New England Patriots |
| 2022 Senior Bowl Participant | 2022 | College All-Star Game | Showcased talents to NFL scouts prior to the draft |
| NFL Scouting Combine Participant | 2022 | Professional Football | Participated in pre-draft workouts and interviews |
Cole Strange Net Worth and Income
Cole Strange’s financial standing, or “Cole Strange net worth,” is largely derived from his NFL earnings. Upon being drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, he signed a fully guaranteed 4-year contract valued at $12,255,969. This contract included a significant signing bonus of $6,093,432, with an average annual salary of $3,063,992.
As of 2025, prior to his release from the Patriots in August, his career earnings totaled approximately $9,879,701, reflecting the guaranteed portions of his contract through three seasons. The full value of his guaranteed rookie contract, $12,255,972, can be considered a strong indicator of his net worth from his professional football career. In 2025, he was set to earn a base salary of $2,376,269 before his release, carrying a cap hit of $3,899,627 for the Patriots. Given his recent release, his immediate income streams will change, though the guaranteed nature of his rookie contract provides a substantial foundation for his estimated net worth.
Legacy and Influence
Cole Strange’s NFL career, though shorter than anticipated with his drafting team, has left a notable mark, particularly within the context of the New England Patriots and the 2022 NFL Draft. His selection at 29th overall was one of the most talked-about and controversial moments of that draft class, widely perceived as a significant “reach” by analysts and even famously mocked by other NFL teams. This bold pick by then-head coach Bill Belichick became emblematic of the later-era Patriots’ draft struggles and contributed to the narrative surrounding Belichick’s eventual departure.
Despite the scrutiny, Strange was a day-one starter, showcasing his readiness and talent as a rookie offensive lineman. His ability to step into a starting role directly from a smaller FCS program like Chattanooga highlighted his exceptional collegiate development and potential. His collegiate legacy at Chattanooga as a two-time Jacobs Blocking Award winner and First-team All-SoCon player is undeniable, making him a historic figure for the Mocs program.
Professionally, while injuries and performance struggles ultimately led to his release, Cole Strange’s journey serves as a reminder of the immense pressures and physical demands of the NFL. His situation also highlights the critical role of draft capital and the public’s perception of value in professional sports. Though his tenure with the Patriots ended prematurely, his first-round pedigree and experience in 30 NFL games, with 29 starts, suggest that he may receive another opportunity from a team looking for offensive line depth or a scheme fit, potentially allowing him to reshape his professional legacy.
Interesting Facts about Cole Strange
- Cole Strange originally committed to the Air Force Academy out of high school before transferring to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
- He primarily played defensive end in high school, where he was named the Knoxville Interscholastic League Defensive Player of the Year.
- Strange holds the distinction of being the first player ever drafted from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in the first round of the NFL Draft.
- His selection by the New England Patriots in the 2022 NFL Draft was famously met with surprise and even laughter from Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead, who believed Strange would have been available much later.
- His family initially thought the phone call from the New England Patriots informing him of his draft selection was a prank.
- Strange utilized an extra year of NCAA eligibility due to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing him to play a sixth season of college football at Chattanooga.
- He has used his platform to give back, participating in initiatives like “My Cause My Cleats” to honor those who served in the military.
- During his time with the Patriots, Strange played snaps at both left guard and center, demonstrating positional versatility.
Controversies
The most prominent “Cole Strange controversy” stems directly from his selection in the 2022 NFL Draft. When the New England Patriots chose Strange as the 29th overall pick, it sent shockwaves through the draft community. Many draft analysts and experts had widely projected the offensive lineman from Chattanooga as a Day 2 or even Day 3 prospect, making his first-round selection a surprising and highly scrutinized decision by then-general manager and head coach Bill Belichick.
The controversy was exacerbated by a viral video showing Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and general manager Les Snead laughing in disbelief at the pick, openly stating they had hoped to draft Strange much later in the draft process. This public reaction, combined with Strange coming from a Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) program, fueled a narrative that the pick was a significant “reach” and a major miscalculation by the Patriots’ brass.
Throughout his three seasons with the Patriots, his performance was often measured against the high expectations of a first-round pick. While he started all 17 games as a rookie, his subsequent years were marred by a torn patellar tendon injury in 2023 and limited play in 2024, leading to questions about his on-field effectiveness. His eventual release by the Patriots on August 26, 2025, further solidified the perception among many that the 2022 first-round selection of Cole Strange was one of Bill Belichick’s most regrettable draft decisions, with some calling it one of the “worst picks of all time” for the franchise. The aftermath of his release became a symbol of the broader issues with the Patriots’ 2022 draft class, as only one player from that entire class remained on the roster after Strange’s departure.
Social Media Presence
Cole Strange maintains a presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to follow his journey. His official Instagram account is @strange_moc. Through this platform, he shares updates and insights, connecting with his audience. Information regarding specific follower counts for Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube, beyond the existence of his Instagram handle, was not readily available in the provided search results.
Final Words about Cole Strange
Cole Strange’s NFL journey is a compelling narrative of high expectations, significant challenges, and the relentless nature of professional sports. Drafted as a surprising first-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2022, he entered the league with considerable scrutiny, a testament to his unique path from a smaller collegiate program to the sport’s highest level. He quickly established himself as a starting left guard, playing all 17 games in his rookie season and demonstrating his potential.
However, his career with the Patriots was ultimately impacted by injuries, most notably a torn patellar tendon in 2023, which severely limited his playing time and effectiveness in subsequent seasons. After three seasons and playing in 30 games with 29 starts, Cole Strange was released by the New England Patriots on August 26, 2025, as part of their final roster cuts. This decision marked the end of a highly scrutinized tenure, often cited as a symbol of the Patriots’ later-era draft struggles and the transition of the franchise post-Bill Belichick.
Currently a free agent, Strange, at 27 years old, still possesses the physical attributes and NFL starting experience that could garner interest from other teams. While his time in New England did not meet the lofty expectations of a first-round selection, his resilience in overcoming a serious injury and his versatility at both guard and center could offer him a fresh start elsewhere. His future plans are yet to be determined, but the “Cole Strange biography” continues as he seeks to make his mark in the league, either on another roster or in a new chapter beyond playing football.
