The New England Patriots had an NFL draft that surprised many. They selected offensive lineman Cole Strange with the 29th pick, while they selected Baylor receiver Tyquan Thornton in the second round.
The picks have been scrutinized in the following days, with the Los Angeles Rams openly questioning the selection of Strange early in the draft.
Multiple experts have graded the draft picks in recent days. On Tuesday, Mike Girardi of NFL Network gave new insight into where these two draft picks were placed on other teams’ draft boards.
The Patriots chose Strange, and in the process, passed on players such as corners Andrew Booth and Kyler Gordon. In choosing Thornton, the Patriots passed on Georgia wide receiver George Pickens and Western Michigan receiver Skyy Moore. For both Strange and Thornton, several teams had their eyes on both players before the Patriots elected to draft them.
“On Cole Strange, I’ve learned, per source, there was a team in the 40s that had their eyes on Strange,” Giardi tweeted. “Would they have traded up had he began Day 2 still on the board? That part is unclear. Strange definitely was getting picked in Round 2 regardless.
“And while we’re at it, on the Tyquan Thornton pick, league source believes there was a team lurking on the Baylor WR and perhaps a fear from the Patriots that the Steelers (at 52) were ready to pounce. So they move up 4 spots and get the speed merchant.”
On Cole Strange, I've learned, per source, there was a team in the 40s that had their eyes on Strange. Would they have traded up had he began day 2 still on the board? That part is unclear. Strange definitely was getting picked in round 2 regardless. https://t.co/yUuC4oPUiK
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) May 3, 2022
The Patriots needed depth at both the offensive line and wide receiver position groups heading into the draft. With both these selections, they filled areas of need, despite the questions surrounding the early choices. As training camp gets closer, time will tell how these two will exactly fit into the equation for the organization.
