Justin Cole Scouting Report

Cole, a 6-2 defensive end, is viewed by many scouts and pundits alike as an outside linebacker in the pros despite having posted solid numbers as an edge rusher. He has started since his redshirt freshman year of 2006 (32 tackles, 9.5 for loss with 4.5 sacks). Then after a very good sophomore campaign (35, 3.5 and 1), exploded with a breakthrough junior season. Cole had career-best in tackles (68) and sacks (5.0) while giving a solid, all around effort. Is active and shows good instincts. Has the frame to add bulk and strength. Is at his best when rushing from the edge. Has the ability to make plays at all times. Is fluid despite the lack of top athletic skills. Good burst off the line is helped by his uncanny ability to anticipate snaps. Has a nose for the ball. Although, he is vastly undersized for a defensive end. Plays without good leverage and allows blockers to get into his body fairly easy. Gets pushed around too much. Lacks great change of direction skills. Lacks speed (4.70) and agility. Will struggle to make plays sideline-to-sideline. Misses too many tackles in the open field. Cole was a very good lower level DE who will be forced to shift to OLB in order to make it in the NFL. He is not a physical specimen or a great athlete, but he is a solid football player who will be around the ball more often that not. Right now he is a third round prospect with some upside.