Sean McVay’s viral draft-day laugh now sounds more prophetic than ever

The Los Angeles Rams do not always get it right when it comes to the NFL Draft, but they do have a process that the front office and coaches trust. It’s both collaboration and consensus, meetings, discussions, and evaluations from a variety of angles, designed to determine more than just team fits. This method also attempts to tier rookie prospects by where other teams may select them.

It’s not always a perfect method, but it’s certainly an effective one. A team that understands how the draft board works also knows how to navigate the pitfalls of disappointment that arise later. Take New England Patriots interior offensive lineman Cole Strange, for example. He was selected in Round 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft with the 29th overall pick.

Per CBS Sports NFL analyst Jeff Kerr, he is one of 14 players at risk of being outright cut by their team. That seems like an early exit for someone selected in Round 1 just four years ago. But this is part of the culling of players from the Bill Belichick era, as a new regime prefers to build around players who fit their mindset, philosophy, and style. Injuries have also tarnished his reputation with the Patriots. All that remains is to part ways.

Rams HC Sean McVay's draft day Cole Strange laughter rings louder than ever now

You may recall the name Strange from the 2022 NFL Draft. That year was a tough one for Rams general manager Les Snead and head coach Sean McVay, as they had to sit back and watch 103 rookie prospects come off the board before they could make a pick. Still, the wait paid off, as the draft eventually brought RB Kyren Williams to the team.

But the scouting department did its due diligence on many rookie prospects the personnel staff expected to fall to the team’s first selection at pick 104. UT Chattanooga’s interior offensive lineman was among the players they projected to still be available at that spot.

The highlight of Day 1 of the 2022 NFL Draft was McVay laughing at the selection, convincing himself that Strange would still be on the board at 104. Instead, the Patriots took him 75 picks earlier, a full two rounds ahead of where the Rams brass believed he would go.

The Rams selected Wisconsin rookie IOL Logan Bruss with the 104th overall pick. Unfortunately, a series of injuries derailed his development. He gave his NFL career one last shot last season, starting in relief of veteran IOL Steve Avila. But after the Week 6 bye, he was replaced by undrafted rookie Justin Dedich and released shortly after.

Would Strange have fared any better had he fallen to the Rams? Probably not. His career has followed a similar trajectory despite playing for the Patriots. There’s an old saying: He who laughs last, laughs best. But in McVay’s case, he’s been laughing all along.

As always, thanks for reading.

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