Audie

Cole

Cole was moved to middle linebacker his senior season at N.C. State, but struggled in the role. He’s considered a smart player who has a future on the weak side, but will need to overcome strength and agility limitations. Standing at 6'4/248, he’ll compete for reps behind Erin Henderson.

Minnesota’s coaching staff became familiar with Cole while coaching him at the Senior Bowl. The former N.C. State star runs well (4.76 forty) for his size at 6'4" and 246 pounds. If he makes the 2012 roster, it will likely be as a special teamer.

Last year’s starting middle ‘backer Jasper Brinkley signed with the Cardinals in free agency, leaving Cole as the tentative starter. The 2012 seventh-round pick is expected to see competition in the form of an early-round rookie. It’s an IDP situation to monitor as the underwhelming Brinkley managed 98 tackles a year ago.

Audie Cole will start if Henderson can’t go. It’s neutral news for Packers RB Eddie Lacy, as Henderson has graded out as one of the worst interior linebackers in the league in Pro Football Focus’ ratings.

Filling in for Erin Henderson (personal) over the last two weeks, Cole has performed extremely well while racking up 22 tackles and one sack. Henderson is now back, but will move to the weak side. Cole is an IDP plug-n-play.

A second-year former seventh-round pick out of NC State, Cole showed some glimpses of emerging as Minnesota’s middle linebacker of the future, racking up 45 tackles and starting five games. Pro Football Focus graded out Cole as sub-par against the run, but positively in coverage. This will be an IDP situation to monitor during the offseason. It’s a high-production position.

It’s punishment for Henderson’s Nov. 19 arrest on DWI charges. The Vikings are trying to take a hard-line approach with off-field incidents as they’ve had a rash of them (A.J. Jefferson, Jerome Simpson) of late. Henderson may still play, but it’s a dicey situation for IDP owners.

Jacksonville appears set at linebacker with Telvin Smith, Paul Posluszny, and Myles Jack, but Cole gives them quality depth and is an asset on special teams.

A seventh-round pick by the Vikings in 2012, Cole saw several starts as a sophomore, but he has mostly been an asset on special teams. He was expected to fill a similar role in Jacksonville after signing there in March.

Despite having eight linebackers on the roster, Minnesota’s only sure starter is SLB Chad Greenway. The middle linebacker position is currently held down by Audie Cole and Jasper Brinkley, while weak-side ‘backer Gerald Hodges won’t be guaranteed a starting job. New Vikings coach Mike Zimmer’s Bengals defenses used thumpers in the middle with “run-and-hit” athletes on the outside.