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Cole Strange NFL Draft Profile
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Cole Strange Scouting ReportStrange has a lean, angular build with solid arm length for the interior. He excels both as a zone and gap run-blocker with above-average athletic ability and play strength to cut off the back-side shade, line up targets as a puller and come to balance in space to intersect targets at the second level off of combo blocks. He can also execute the same-foot, same-shoulder technique on vertical double-teams to create lift and movement off the ball. Strange has a stiff, firm strike on contact and a relentless leg drive to steer and finish defenders on their back and over piles once latched. Despite a small sample size as a pass protector, he has impressive flashes of being able to strike and widen rushers off his frame and at his fingertips with enough foot quickness to mirror them around the corner while being active and alert when uncovered.
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Areas for ImprovementStrange will need to refine his footwork and discipline against shifty rushers who can set up their moves with stutters and hesitations to not open up his shoulders prematurely and create a soft inside edge that leaves him susceptible to getting beat across his face. He also tends to get high on angle-drive blocks as a run-blocker, causing him to overextend against slippery defenders who work to his edge. He's often late to reposition his hands and feet to stay centered on blocks, which results in him getting grabby to stay attached.
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Cole Strange Career at SchoolCole was a 5 year starter on the offensive line using the Covid exception for a sixth year of eligibility in 2021. He has played in 49 games with 44 starts. He graduated with a degree in Psychology in December 2020. In 2017 he was named Freshman All America. He was a 4 time Academic All SoCon and 3 time All Southern Conference. He also was FCS ADA Academic All Star 2020-21, 2021.
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Cole Strange NFL Draft Player ProfileStrange has the frame, athletic ability, play strength and competitive toughness to be considered a high-level backup at multiple positions across the line, with starter potential over his first few seasons at guard. He will need refinement to handle himself in isolated situations as a pass protector in the NFL and to learn how to more efficiently win back leverage as a run-blocker, but he has shown that he can dominate FCS competition, and his power and tenacity translated against a major bump up in competition against Kentucky. His performance at the Senior Bowl will be especially important to his evaluation and projection to the NFL.
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