04/29/2012 - A closer look at the Cowboys' picks: Round 5/152 - Danny Coale, WR, 6-0, 220, Virginia Tech...A hard worker who appeared in 55 career games, including 54 starts in college. He is a good route runner with above average hands. He can play on the outside and in the slot. - The Sports Xchange
Cole's draft stock began to rise with an excellent showing at the scouting combine in February. He ran a 4.50-second 40-yard dash and displayed strong route-running and good hands in positional drills.
That was only a precursor to the 4.37 40 he ripped off at his March 15 pro day to go along with a 37-inch vertical.
Born in Lexington, Va., Coale was a versatile weapon at Episcopal high school where he played wide receiver and defensive back while also returning punts and kickoffs and handling kicking and punting duties.
After earning all-state honors three straight seasons, including twice being named to the first team, Coale redshirted as a freshman at Virginia Tech.
He used the practice time wisely, as he jumped into the mix in 2008 to lead the Hokies with 36 catches. Coale played a team-high 559 offensive snaps as a sophomore, hauling in 30 catches.
After another 39 catches in 2010, Coale added a career-high 60 as a senior to finish his career second in school history in receptions and receiving yards.
Analysis
Strengths: Deceiving quickness and catches the ball in stride, keeping himself clean in his movements, not forced to gear down. Savvy route runner with precise footwork to waste little time in/out of his breaks. Very good field awareness. Does a nice job extending his arms and reeling in passes away from his body with top hand/eye coordination. Dependable, usually sure-handed target. Shows good toughness to secure catches in traffic with a fearless and aggressive mentality. High character and team-first person. Good head on his shoulders. Four-year starter (54 career starts) with very good playing experience with added versatility. Also played on special teams coverage as a punt returner and punter.
Weaknesses: Only average height and size with shorter arms (30 1/2-inch). Limited strength and bulk on his frame and lacks the power in his limbs to routinely beat press and create separation. Hasn't added much muscle, weighing only 195 out of high school. Lacks the playing speed to stretch the field. Bit stiff in his hips and isn't a sudden mover. Not overly elusive. Limited as a blocker with poor base strength. Didn't find the end zone much in college with only 8 career scores. Averaged only 1 touchdown for every 20 catches.
