Could Patriots' first-round pick OL be in line for position change?

New England Patriots coach Jerod Mayo confirmed the team is considering working injured guard Cole Strange out at center when he’s healthy enough to return.

Strange is not ready to practice yet, as he is still working his way back from a torn patellar tendon. The Patriots could use some center depth behind longtime starter David Andrews.

Nick Leverett struggled in Sunday’s preseason finale against the Washington Commanders, and his struggles have lasted throughout the entire preseason. Mayo left the door open for Strange potentially taking reps at center when asked about the possibility, as transcribed by Pro Football Network’s Dakota Randall.

“Yeah, that was always a possibility when we drafted Cole,” Mayo said at a media press conference. “He did have that flex to be able to go in there and snap. In saying that, I’m not sure when Cole will be ready to go; that’s for the medical professionals and Cole to decide.

“But, if he’s healthy, he’ll definitely get some of those opportunities.”

Strange working in at center would certainly be a shake-up. New England does need additional help at the position, and Strange was initially viewed by some as a more suitable center than guard when entering the NFL.

Nevertheless, it does beg the question of why New England failed to address those depth issues in the offseason. The organization needs to figure out something before the season-opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.