Summary

Cole Bishop arrived in the NFL with significant upside as a highly productive collegiate safety who started a large percentage of his games at Utah. Over his three years there, he showed the ability to make tackles, contribute in the backfield, and defend in coverage. University of Utah Athletics

Drafted early in Round 2 by the Bills in 2024 NFL Draft, (pick 60), Bishop entered a defense that values versatile safeties and was expected to compete for meaningful playing time early in his career. His early NFL production suggests he is carving a role as a starting safety who can contribute in multiple phases of the game—coverage, run support, and as a third-down blitzer. CBS Sports

Strengths

• Tackling and run-support ability: In college, Bishop consistently posted high tackle numbers and made plays behind the line. He finished his junior year with 60 tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks. University of Utah Athletics

• Athleticism & range for the safety position: At ~6′2″ / 207 lbs, he has the size and movement ability to cover the field, which gives him versatility in both deep zones and near the line of scrimmage. Buffalo Bills

• Coverage improvement and ball production: His junior year at Utah showed growth in pass-coverage metrics: multiple interceptions, pass breakups, and a significantly improved QB rating when targeted. NFL Draft Buzz

• Competitive disposition & coachable traits: Reports from Utah and scouting write-ups describe Bishop as a high-effort, dependable player with strong work ethic and a willingness to play multiple roles (robber, deep safety, box). Deseret News

Weaknesses

• Experience and refinement in man-coverage / isolation: While strong in zone and as a versatile safety, some evaluations note that Bishop is less proven in single-man coverage against elite receivers, or when required to shadow routes deep consistently. Deseret News

• Heavy-block shed / big-body matchups in the box: At 207 lbs, while athletic, he may be at a size disadvantage in some heavy-run or big-tight-end matchups, which could limit his effectiveness in heavier “in-the-box” roles unless he adds mass or strength. NFL Draft Buzz

• Ceiling vs. elite deep safety specialists: Although his trajectory is positive, some scouts view his ceiling as slightly lower compared to safeties who are already elite in all phases (run, cover, blitz). His consistency and sustained dominance will determine how high he climbs.

Fit & Outlook

Cole Bishop projects as a very capable NFL starting safety with a strong floor and growing upside. If he continues to refine his coverage techniques, add strength/compactness for run-support battles, and maintain health/consistency, he has the potential to become a key defensive back for Buffalo for years.

In the near term, expect him to be used in multiple roles—deep safety, near-line opener, blitzing safety—while he rounds out his skill set. His development trajectory suggests he could become above average or better at his position. The major questions will be how quickly he adapts to elite-level receivers, how he holds up in heavier schemes, and whether he can sustain high-end performance.