Las Vegas Raiders UDFA Spotlight: Utah TE Cole Fotheringham

Originally posted on The Raider Ramble | By Eric Williams | Last updated 5/19/22

The Las Vegas Raiders front office has been extremely busy this offseason, having traded for an excellent All-Pro receiver, adding great defensive talent such as Chandler Jones, and drafting talent with tremendous upside. The work hasn’t ceased, as seen by the addition of undrafted free agent tight end Cole Fotheringham. He’ll now be part of a talented tight end room that includes Darren Waller, Foster Moreau, Nick Bowers, and Jacob Hollister.

Who is Cole Fotheringham?

Fotheringham played all four years at Utah. He is six-foot-four and weighs 243 pounds. During his senior year, he started ten games and registered fifteen receptions for 128 yards. While he did not score any touchdowns this season, he performed admirably in his role. He was named to the John Mackey Award watchlist in 2019, which honors the top tight end in college football. Cole was not only a brilliant athlete on the field, but he also succeeded in the classroom, earning Pac-12 All-Academic Honor Roll honors that same year.

Watching Zack Moss tape and I see this catch from Utah TE Cole Fotheringham. Will be a sophomore in 2019, might deserve a look. Looks good attacking the ball here. Mainly is used to block but this is great to see https://t.co/GqCknjx7tN

He ran a 5.07 in the 40-yard dash and a 4.56 in the shuttle cone drill at his pro day. While he won’t blow you away with his speed, he will use his stature to his advantage as a blocker. Having that asset is critical, especially at the tight end position. Even though Utah quarterback Cameron Rising mostly used him as a blocker, he showed in certain situations that he could make big catches and run routes well.

Is there a chance Cole makes the Raiders roster?

While the tight end depth chart is crowded, he would have to try his best to stand out in order to justify his placement on the 53-man roster. If he demonstrates hunger and determination, you never know what kind of impression he’ll make on the Raiders’ coaching staff. Worst-case scenario, he joins the practice squad and is gradually developed.

This article first appeared on The Raider Ramble and was syndicated with permission.

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