Cole Bishop: PFF Stats, Scouting Report & NFL Draft

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Hey guys! Today, we're going to dissect everything about Cole Bishop, the highly touted safety prospect. We'll be using Pro Football Focus (PFF) data to give you the lowdown on his strengths, weaknesses, and overall NFL potential. So, buckle up and let’s get started!

Who is Cole Bishop?

Cole Bishop is a safety who played college football at the University of Utah. Known for his aggressive playing style and versatility, Bishop quickly became a standout player for the Utes. Before we deep-dive into his PFF stats, let’s paint a clearer picture of his background and playing style. Hailing from Starr's Mill High School in Fayetteville, Georgia, Bishop was a three-sport athlete, excelling in football, lacrosse, and wrestling. This diverse athletic background underscores his natural athleticism and competitive drive, qualities that have undoubtedly contributed to his football success. During his high school career, he showcased his versatility by playing multiple positions, including safety, linebacker, and wide receiver. Bishop earned All-Region honors and was named his team's Defensive MVP, solidifying his status as a highly sought-after college prospect.

High School and Recruitment

Coming out of high school, Bishop was rated as a three-star recruit by major scouting services. Despite not being a consensus top-tier prospect, his impressive high school film and multi-sport background caught the attention of several college programs. He ultimately chose to commit to the University of Utah, drawn to their strong defensive tradition and the opportunity to make an immediate impact. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in his career, setting the stage for his emergence as one of the top safeties in college football.

College Career at Utah

Upon arriving at Utah, Bishop wasted no time in making his presence felt. As a true freshman, he appeared in all five games during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, showcasing his potential and earning valuable experience. In 2021, he stepped into a starting role and quickly established himself as a key component of the Utes' defense. That season, he recorded 54 tackles, nine pass breakups, and five sacks, demonstrating his versatility as a playmaker. Over the next two seasons, Bishop continued to build upon his success, earning All-Pac-12 honors and solidifying his reputation as one of the nation's top safeties. In 2022, he registered 83 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and an interception, earning second-team All-Pac-12 honors. He followed that up with another stellar season in 2023, recording 60 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions, earning him first-team All-Pac-12 recognition.

Cole Bishop PFF Stats: What the Numbers Say

Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty – Cole Bishop's PFF stats. PFF grades provide a comprehensive evaluation of a player's performance on every snap, offering insights beyond traditional box score statistics. We'll break down his run defense, pass coverage, and pass-rushing grades to provide a complete picture. Bishop has consistently earned high marks from PFF for his run defense. His ability to quickly diagnose plays, fill running lanes, and make impactful tackles has made him a valuable asset in stopping the run. In 2023, Bishop posted a PFF run defense grade of 80.2, which ranked among the top safeties in the nation. This grade reflects his effectiveness in shedding blocks, making secure tackles, and limiting yardage after contact. His consistent performance in run support has been a hallmark of his game, earning him praise from coaches and analysts alike. — Virginia Lottery Results: Winning Numbers & More

Pass Coverage

In pass coverage, Bishop has demonstrated a good combination of athleticism, instincts, and ball skills. While he may not be a lockdown cover safety, he has shown the ability to make plays on the ball and limit opposing quarterbacks' options. In 2023, Bishop recorded a PFF pass coverage grade of 72.5, which is a solid mark for a safety. This grade reflects his ability to stay with receivers, make timely interceptions, and disrupt passing lanes. Bishop's size and physicality allow him to match up well against tight ends and bigger receivers, while his agility and speed enable him to cover ground effectively in zone coverage. While he has room to improve in this area, his potential as a pass defender is evident. — Rutgers SAS Academic Advising: Your Guide To Success

Pass Rushing

One of the most intriguing aspects of Bishop's game is his ability to rush the passer. Utah's coaching staff frequently utilized him as a blitzer, and he consistently delivered pressure on opposing quarterbacks. In 2023, Bishop recorded a PFF pass-rushing grade of 85.9, which was among the highest for safeties in the nation. This grade reflects his ability to time his blitzes effectively, use his speed and agility to evade blockers, and finish plays with sacks or pressures. Bishop's knack for generating pressure makes him a valuable asset on third downs and in other obvious passing situations. His versatility as a pass rusher adds another dimension to his game and makes him an attractive prospect for NFL teams.

Scouting Report: Strengths and Weaknesses

So, what does all this mean for Bishop's NFL prospects? Let’s break down his strengths and weaknesses.

Strengths

  • Run Support: Bishop is an exceptional run defender. He reads plays quickly, fills gaps aggressively, and is a reliable tackler.
  • Versatility: He can play multiple roles, including deep safety, box safety, and even as a blitzer. This versatility makes him a valuable asset in various defensive schemes.
  • Physicality: Bishop plays with a high level of physicality, delivering impactful hits and disrupting plays. His aggressive playing style sets the tone for the defense and makes him a formidable presence on the field.
  • Blitzing Ability: As his PFF pass-rushing grade indicates, Bishop is an effective blitzer. He has a knack for timing his blitzes and generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

Weaknesses

  • Coverage Consistency: While Bishop has shown flashes of strong coverage ability, he needs to improve his consistency in this area. He can sometimes be vulnerable against quicker receivers or in one-on-one matchups.
  • Deep Speed: Bishop's deep speed is adequate, but not elite. He may struggle to keep up with the fastest receivers in the NFL, which could limit his effectiveness in certain coverage schemes.
  • Discipline: At times, Bishop can be over-aggressive, leading to penalties or missed assignments. He needs to improve his discipline and play with more control.

NFL Draft Potential

Given his skills and weaknesses, where is Cole Bishop likely to land in the NFL Draft? Most analysts project him as a second or third-round pick. His versatility and run-stopping prowess make him an attractive option for teams seeking a safety who can contribute in multiple roles. Several teams could be potential landing spots for Bishop. Teams that value versatility and aggressive play at the safety position are likely to be interested in his services. He could be a good fit for teams such as the Green Bay Packers, who need help at the safety position and have a history of valuing versatile defensive players. The Los Angeles Rams, known for their innovative defensive schemes, could also be a potential destination for Bishop. His ability to blitz and play multiple roles would make him a valuable asset in their defense. Another team to watch is the Buffalo Bills, who have a need for a physical safety who can support the run. Bishop's aggressive playing style and tackling ability would be a good fit in their defense.

Conclusion

Cole Bishop is a talented and versatile safety prospect with the potential to make a significant impact in the NFL. His PFF stats highlight his strengths in run defense and pass rushing, while his scouting report reveals areas for improvement in coverage consistency and discipline. As the NFL Draft approaches, it will be interesting to see where Bishop lands and how he develops at the next level. Keep an eye on this guy – he’s got the potential to be a real game-changer! Hope you guys found this breakdown insightful! — Nick Jr. Screen Bugs: A Fan's Guide