4 under-the-radar players to keep an eye on during Patriots training camp

Cole Strange

Because the Patriots decided to take a guard in the first round of the 2022 draft and create quite a controversy for doing so, there was a lot of pressure put on Cole Strange to live up to what the team apparently saw in him.

He was an immediate starter as a rookie and, from the very start of the season, looked every bit worth the risk of being taken much earlier than anticipated in the draft.

That didn't last throughout the entire season, though, and questions began to flood in regarding the choice to not only take Strange in the first round but also have him as a starter upon immediately joining the NFL.

Fortunately for the young lineman, others around him struggled more than he did and were labeled a liability for how often they were being flagged or failing at protecting the quarterback. But the good thing is, Belichick raved about the progress he has made during the offseason so far and gushed about how much better he looks from just one year ago.

"He had a great offseason. Had an opportunity to train this offseason. He really took advantage of that physically. Obviously, mentally he is light years ahead of where he was like all rookies are.

Knowing what they expect, knowing the offense, knowing defenses, and can anticipate things better. His communication is way better on the offensive line, experience. Yeah, he had a really good offseason, and it has been evident all through the spring, even a few days out here."

Because practices have not been physical yet, there's not much to evaluate regarding Strange's performance through training camp so far.

But with the tempo expected to pick up in the coming days, it will provide a better opportunity to see the improvements Strange has made since last year, making him an easy under-the-radar option to watch throughout the summer.