FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Utah defensive back Cole Bishop.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cole Bishop
6’2″ – 207 lbs.
Background:
Three-star recruit who started the last six of 10 games played in 2021 and finished the year with 54-9.0-3.0 and five breakups. Was a full-time starter the next season, with 83-6.0-1.5, an interception and three breakups, then posted 60-6.5-3.0 with two interceptions and four breakups in 2023, appearing in 11 games.
Positives:
Has been highly productive over the past three seasons, handling different roles; more of a box/nickel defender in his first two seasons, but played more high safety this year. Polished, consistent prospect whose work in the film room really shows up on tape. Reads keys quickly, allowing him to play fast; does a nice job of anticipating/recognizing opposing playcalls. Active with his hands to work through traffic and get to the football. Nice lateral quickness to shuffle and fill in the run game. Gives very good effort in pursuit, and takes solid angles to the ball. Pretty effective tackler with a wide radius. Quick feet to get to depth as a high safety; the team trusted him to play a lot of single-high this year. Processes route combinations effectively from zone; good decision-maker on the back end. Gets physical with opposing receivers at the line of scrimmage when working from the slot, and uses his length well to stay connected. Has solid closing speed to drive on a spot and make quick tackles or dislodge the ball on in-breaking routes, with some physicality. Utah coaches rave about him.
Negatives:
Could play with a bit more discipline when defending the run from the edge, something he was asked to do fairly regularly; tends to try and work around the edge, occasionally opening up big lanes for opposing runners. Lacks elite recovery speed to get back in-phase if his initial read is incorrect. Didn’t see him playing a ton of man coverage on opposing tight ends, although he has the physical/athletic profile for that. On-ball production was relatively modest.
Summary:
There are sexier safety prospects in the class, but few, if any, with his combination of schematic versatility, play recognition skills, decision-making and consistency as Bishop. Looks just as comfortable working in high zones as he does playing man coverage from the slot, or weaving his way through traffic to defend the run from the box. Looks like he could be trusted to come in and provide consistent play early in his career, and the flexibility he affords defensive playcallers will be valued by pro teams. A solid second-day value.
Projection: Round 2-3
More NFL Draft Prospects
Cornerbacks
- Josh Newton (CB – TCU)
- Cooper DeJean (CB – Iowa)
- Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB – Missouri)
- Kalen King (CB – Penn State)
- Kamari Lassiter (CB – Georgia)
- Khyree Jackson (CB – Oregon)
- D.J. James (CB – Auburn)
- Nate Wiggins (CB – Clemson)
- Kris Abrams-Draine (CB – Missouri)
- Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)
- T.J. Tampa (CB – Iowa State)
- Quinyon Mitchell (CB – Toledo)
- Terrion Arnold (CB – Alabama)
- Nehemiah Pritchett (CB – Auburn)
- Mike Sainristil (CB – Michigan)
- Dwight McGlothern (CB – Arkansas)
- Caelen Carson (CB – Wake Forest)
- Cam Hart (CB – Notre Dame)
- Max Melton (CB – Rutgers)
- Jarrian Jones (CB – Florida State)
Defensive Backs
- Calen Bullock (DB – USC)
- Beau Brade (DB – Maryland)
- James Williams (DB – Miami)
- Jaden Hicks (DB – Washington State)
- Sione Vaki (DB – Utah)
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