Biography: Three-year starter used at both middle and outside linebacker. North Carolina State's leading tackler the past three seasons, most recently totaling 108 tackles/13.5 tackles for loss/5.5 sacks as a senior. Junior totals included 97 tackles with 10.5 tackles for loss.

Positives: Efficient, instinctive linebacker who gets every ounce from his ability. Breaks down well, slides off blocks and plays with a nasty attitude. Stays with assignments, displays a terrific head for the ball and chases the action hard. Takes good angles to the action. Can bend off the edge if asked to blitz the quarterback.

Negatives: Struggles in coverage situations and does not get depth on pass drops. Lacks quick change-of-direction ability, struggles to immediately alter his angle of attack and is slow getting out to the sidelines.

Analysis: Cole was productive at North Carolina State and is a tough run defender who is most effective in the box. He's a two-down defender for the next level who should also help out on special teams.

Projection: 6th