Cole Strange
OL, Chattanooga · 2022 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #29 (NWE)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: pre-draft rankings, age. Details below.
The 2022 class is only 4 seasons in, so this verdict can still change a lot.
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #77 (#3 at his position); he went #29, 48 spots earlier. Teams were higher on him than the media board was.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 48.9% of the time (896 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Age
24 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 44.9% of the time (548 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Chattanooga: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 5.03 40-yard dash at 307 lbs: faster than 86% of OLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
OL (OL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 59.3% of the time (919 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 44 of ~68 possible regular-season games from 2022 through 2025 (~65%). Plus 6 games so far in 2026.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numberslive
| Games | 50 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 3 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 15 |
| 2026 in-season credit (est.) | 2.7 |
| Redraft value (wAV + 2026) | 17.7 |
| Defense | 1 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
Career wAV via nflverse draft_picks + 2026 in-season credit from snap counts through Week 7.
The 2022 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2022 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Pre-draft rankings Taken 32+ picks before ESPN's rank | 48.9% n=896 | |
| Age 24 or older | 44.9% n=548 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position OL | 59.3% n=919 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 5", 307 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 5.03 s |
| Bench press | 31 reps |
| Vertical | 28" |
| Broad jump | 120" |
| 3-cone | 7.44 s |
| Shuttle | 4.5 s |
| Arm / hand | 32.75" / 10" |
| Age at draft | 24 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #77 overall (#3 OL) |
Picked around him 2022 redraft
| 26 | Jermaine Johnson II | redraft #55 |
| 27 | Devin Lloyd | redraft #6 |
| 28 | Devonte Wyatt | redraft #108 |
| 30 | George Karlaftis III | redraft #21 |
| 31 | Daxton Hill | redraft #80 |
| 32 | Lewis Cine | redraft #246 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.