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By Dan Arkush
October 31, 2008
It’s not likely the name of Colin Cole instantly rings a bell when the topic of NFL defensive tackles comes up. But the way we hear it, in discussions among league personnel heavyweights, Cole’s name is being brought up a lot more frequently as of late, considering how consistently well he has been performing on the Packers’ defensive line. Taking advantage of increased playing time, the 6-1, 320-pound fourth-year pro really has surprised daily team observers with the steady inside pass rush he has been providing. In addition to being among the team leaders in QB pressures, we’re told Cole also has been the team’s best D-lineman in terms of gap discipline. Cole’s game is coming together at just the right time, as he’s scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in March and could have his share of suitors on the open market — provided the Packers don’t first decide to lock him up long term.
