2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Cole Bishop

Prospect Summary:

The Utah Utes have consistently fielded a tough defense over the past few seasons, and Bishop was one of the reasons, steadily contributing for the Utes. In 2021, he started half the season, playing well and totaling 54 tackles, three sacks and five passes broken up. Bishop’s best season was 2022, as he collected 83 tackles, 1.5 sacks, an interception and three passes broken up. As a senior, he notched 60 tackles, three sacks, two interceptions and three passes defended. After the season, Bishop performed well at the Senior Bowl and the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine.

Against the pass, Bishop is not a man-coverage safety to line up on slot receivers all of the time or be a deep free safety, but he still finds ways to be a factor. Bishop is a good zone-coverage safety in the middle of the field who does a fantastic job of reading quarterback’s eyes to get in position to create turnovers. With good instincts and anticipation, Bishop seems a step ahead and does a fabulous job of impacting the ball. He shows advanced recognition for routes and offenses seeking to repeat some of the same routes.

Bishop plays the pass well and has rare ball skills for a strong safety. On top of his ability to pick off passes, Bishop is a threat to force fumbles thanks to his aggressive hitting ability and the instincts that lead to him creating fumbles for his defense.

Bishop is a hard hitter who will really get physical and stick receivers or running backs with some violence. In the middle of the field, Bishop will make ball-carriers pay, and he maintains a real physical presence.

Those skills lead to Bishop being a good run defender. He will come downhill and make tackles on backs, definitely possessing the talent to be the eighth man in the box. With his strength and physicality, Bishop is a reliable tackler who shows a nice technique to get low and wrap up while also delivering some force.

As a pro, Bishop will fit as a strong safety who can serve as a good zone defender in the middle of the field where he can make plays with his instincts. Bishop could contribute some man-coverage ability on tight ends, but probably should not go man-to-man on elite receiving tight ends. Bishop will be able to serve well as a strong safety in run defense and could be a dangerous pass-coverage zone safety in the middle of the field.

Bishop could end up as a second-day pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He probably won’t get out of the third round.