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Patriots’ selection of Cole Strange reportedly viewed by NFL execs as most surprising Day 1 move

Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft brought several surprises.

Only one quarterback was selected in the first round of the draft, two trades involving players (including one of the best young receivers in the league) were made, and zero running backs were selected in the first round for the first time in eight years.

But for many, the biggest surprise of the night came when the Patriots took Chattanooga guard Cole Strange with the No. 29 overall pick. Strange was graded by ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. as a third-round selection, making the Patriots’ decision to use a first-round pick quite shocking.