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Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Brian Cole II (Mississippi St.) - 2020 NFL Draft Pick #249 by MIN

What The Experts Thought Before The Draft

Pre-Draft Analysis for Brian Cole II

Player Position: Safety

College: Mississippi State University

Overview

Brian Cole II was a versatile defensive back who played at Mississippi State. Known for his athleticism and playmaking abilities, Cole was expected to make an impact at the next level. He had a productive college career, showcasing his skills in various roles on the field.

Strengths

  • Versatility: Cole showed the ability to play multiple positions in the secondary, including cornerback and safety, which added to his value as a draft prospect.
  • Athleticism: With good speed and agility, he was able to cover ground quickly and match up against receivers in man coverage.
  • Ball Skills: He demonstrated good hands and the ability to make plays on the ball, evidenced by his interceptions and pass breakups during his college career.
  • Tackling Ability: Cole was a physical player who was not afraid to come up and make tackles against the run, showing his readiness to play at the NFL level.

Weaknesses

  • Inconsistency: There were moments in games where Cole struggled with coverage assignments, leading to lapses that could be exploited by more seasoned receivers.
  • Experience: While he had a solid college career, his experience in high-stakes games was somewhat limited, potentially affecting his transition to the professional level.
  • Technique: Improvements were needed in his footwork and backpedal, as he occasionally displayed a lack of fluidity in coverage situations.

Projected Draft Round

As a player with a mix of potential and raw skills, Cole was projected to be selected in the late rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft. Teams looking for depth in their secondary or a player with special teams capabilities were likely to take a chance on him.

Conclusion

Brian Cole II was viewed as a player with intriguing upside due to his athleticism and versatility. With proper coaching and development, he had the potential to carve out a role in the NFL, whether as a safety or contributing on special teams.