Colts Free Agents: How Will They Fit In
By Evan Reller
Nov 23, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles outside linebacker Trent Cole (58) celebrates his sack during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Titans, 43-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Trent Cole, OLB
2014 Stats: 6.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 40 tackles
PFF Grade: +6.5 (+2.6 Run Def, +11.3 Pass Rush)
Cole was brought in to help pressure opposing quarterbacks, pure and simple. He should NEVER be dropped into coverage and is ideally suited to attack the passer on third-and-long. He had 46 QB pressures would have led the Colts in 2014.
The Colts struggled to find a consistent pass rush last season with Robert Mathis out and were forced into blitzing far too often. Cole will help as a rotational player and gives the team insurance against injury to the outside linebacking corps.
Former Giants tackle David Diehl said on the Dan Patrick Show Tuesday that Cole was one of the best pass rushers that he faced in his career. It certainly didn’t help that they faced each other twice a year.
Cole is also 32 and has started to see his production dip over the past couple seasons. The Colts aren’t looking for a starter in Cole, and will use him as a situational pass rusher. Fewer snaps will help improve his longevity and even getting last years numbers would help the Colts.