Indianapolis Colts 2015 Training Camp Profile: Trent Cole

Indianapolis Cotls Training Camp Profile: Trent Cole
Jeffrey G. Pittenger-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts lacked a strong pass rushing presence without Robert Mathis last season. Mathis is still not ready, but the Colts are not wasting any time. The team signed outside linebacker Trent Cole in the offseason, and he is set to become the team’s sack leader.

After having 6.5 sacks last season, the Philadelphia Eagles released Cole. The Colts immediately pursued the veteran and managed to sign him to a two-year deal. The 32-year-old Cole has 85.5 sacks over his 10-year career in the NFL.

This type of player is something the Colts have desperately needed since the departure of Dwight Freeney in 2013. The Colts have received solid production from Mathis, but he was the only standout. When Mathis went down, the team finally realized they needed a strong pass rusher to complement Mathis or cover for him if he got hurt. Cole will fit in this role nicely.

The Colts’ two ideal starters at outside linebacker are Cole and Mathis, but it is still unclear if Mathis will be ready at the start of camp. With Mathis’ status still unclear,this makes it important for guys like Erik Walden, Bjoern Werner or Jonathan Newsome to lock down the open spot and take pressure off of Cole.

Injuries are never a concern with Cole. He has never missed more than two games per season over his 10-year NFL career. The Colts also rotate their players more often on defense which will keep Cole fresh and make him more effective.

Cole is a standout pass rusher and can still get sacks even when he is the only premier pass rusher on the field, but the Colts want Mathis back too. Mathis will play this year barring any setbacks, so if Cole continues to play the way he has over his 10-year career, the Colts will be a lot better at pressuring the quarterback than last season.

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