By: Michael Higgins

School: Utah

Class: Junior

Position: SAF

HT: 6’2

WT: 206 lbs

Sideline Prospect Ranking: #11

Background: Cole Bishop was a sub package linebacker recruit in high school out of Peachtree City, Georgia. Bishop attended Starrs Mill High School and was one of the best players in the area. As a junior, he was named to the All-State Team in a season in which he tallied over 100 tackles. On top of that, Bishop was also named both County and Region MVP. Bishop originally committed to Duke in his junior year of high school but flipped his commitment to Utah less than a year later.

College: Immediately, as a freshman at Utah, Bishop turned into one of their best defensive players. Bishop appeared in 10 games in 2021 and started 6 of them. He was named PAC 12 All-Honorable Mention after leading all true freshmen in tackles with 54. The 2022 season was an improvement upon his freshman season, but it wasn’t the breakout that was expected. He was once again named an Honorable Mention while leading the team in tackles. Cole Bishop had another tremendous season in 2023 when he was able to get on the field. Despite the injuries, he backed up the notion that he is one of the best safeties in the country with his play on the field.

Strengths: Utah used Bishop in a variety of roles. He frequently lines up off the edge at the line of scrimmage to rush the quarterback. He has a natural feel for how to shed blocks and get into the backfield. He is fast, physical, and athletic. The Utes also used him as a sub package linebacker to go step for step with tight ends, running backs, and slot receivers. Bishop reads routes well and takes good angles to receivers. Bishop has great hip flexibility and can change directions or cut on a dime. When covering the targeted receiver, Bishop has excellent instincts to stay tight and get his head around to make a play on the football. He moves so naturally as a playmaker at just about every position on the defense, it is hard not to like him as a jack of all trades for an NFL defense. Many outlets say Bishop is too small, but that is not the case. He plays big and is effective in doing so.

Weaknesses: Bishop does occasionally try to overcompensate and instead of going for the smart play, he lowers his shoulder to enforce his will. Especially in the new age of football where it seems there is no such thing as a legal hit, Bishop is going to have to learn how to wrap up ball carriers to bring them down.

Conclusion: After watching his tape, that was really the only clear con to Bishop’s game. He seems like a home run prospect in a lot of aspects, doing everything on the defense is a big plus.

Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile

Ideal Role: Strong Safety

Best Team Fits: BUF, NO, LAR

Player Comparison: Jevon Holland

Player Grade: 90.1