2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cole Bishop, DS, Utah
Player Data
| Name, Jersey # | Cole Bishop #8 |
| School (Code) | UTUN |
| Class Yr | Jr. |
| Height, Weight | 6020, 206 lbs |
| 40 Yd Dash | 4.45 |
| Arms, Hands | 29 ¾”, 09” |
| Position/Depth | FS/1st |
| Honors/Captainship | 2x 2nd-team all PAC 12, 2023 Jim Thorpe Award Semi-Finalist |
| Season Viewed (yr) | 2023 |
| Games Watched | WAUN, ORST, FLUN, ORUN |
| Scout Name / Date | Ian McNice, 03/10/2024 |
Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)
| 2023 | 11 GP, 10 GS, 60 TKL, 6.5 TFL, 3.0 SK, 2 INT, 4 PD, 1 FF, 2 FR |
| 2022 | 14 GP, 13 GS, 83 TKL, 6.0 TFL, 1.5 SK, 1 INT, 3 PD, 1 FR |
| 2021 | 10 GP, 6 GS, 54 TKL, 9.0 TFL, 3.0 SK, 5 PD, 1 FR |
Player Summary:
Junior originally from Massachusetts before moving to Peachtree City, Georgia. A 3 star recruit (247Sports) out of Starr’s Mill HS, earned himself a first team all-state selection as a junior while also earning the region’s MVP award. He displays a solid build with elite height, good weight, poor arm length, and marginal hand size. He plays with very good AA, he has legitimate 4.40 speed that shows up on film, pairing his above-average acceleration with good lateral quickness, solid fluidity in his hips, and good COD. Good FBI allows him to consistently get in advantageous positions by keying in on run/pass quickly and having an above-average understanding of route concepts. You can tell he is a prepared player, recognizing route patterns quickly based on formation and the release from the opponents. He is effective playing man coverage vs all skill positions. He primarily uses a catch technique vs TE’s and bigger body WR’s, plays with good anticipation leading to effective timing when jumping his matchup at the top of the route, physically hindering the opponent from getting open. Adequate range as a deep ½ or ⅓ defender, can improve on keying the QB’s pad level and eyes when he is releasing the ball. Below-average ball skills, he struggles to get in position when in trail or coming over the top to play through the WR’s hands because he lacks the arm length to get his hands to the target point. Above-average in run support, keying run/pass early allows him to use his very-good play speed to meet ball carrier’s near the LOS, even when coming from FS depth. Excellent pursuit consistently puts him in position where he can make a play in the open field vs the RB. Good open field tackler when he gets his hat to the opposite thigh pad of the ball carrier, he does have tendency to wrap up with poor pad level when there is a lack of open space and he cannot accelerate into his tackle attempt.
Scheme Fit:
FS in Single high scheme
Power Statement:
Bishop is a versatile piece you can move around your defense, he has experience playing in the box as well as at depth. A very smart football player you can win with, can improve on reading the QB’s body language so he can extend his range and hopefully make more plays on the ball. I would be shocked if he did not hear his name called by the end of day 2.