Sparta's Cole Wisniewski part of record-setting draft day for Texas Tech

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Sparta's Cole Wisniewski part of record-setting draft day for Texas Tech

Sparta's Cole Wisniewski part of record-setting draft day for Texas Tech

Mark Stewart, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel · Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Sun, Apr 26, 2026 ·

2 min read

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Texas Tech had a record showing in the NFL draft and it was punctuated by Cole Wisniewski' s selection.

The safety from Sparta, WI., was the Red Raiders' final player chosen. He was taken in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles with the 244th pick overall.

The selection gave Texas Tech nine draft selections. Two of those players are Wisconsin natives. The other is Skyler Gill-Howard , a graduate of Greenfield High School who was taken in the sixth round by Detroit .

Wisniewski played his high school ball for Sparta, which has never produced an NFL player.

Cole Wisniewski's draft grade: B

USA TODAY , which gave the pick a B+, loves Wisniewski's production. CBS Sports likes the move, too, just not as much. It gave the selection a B-.

Where did Cole Wisniewski play in college?

Wisniewski played at North Dakota State for five seasons. He transferred to Texas Tech before the 2025 campaign.

Cole Wisniewski highlights

Wisniewski received honorable mention all-Big 12 from the league's coaches in 2025. He began his career as a linebacker but moved to safety before the 2022 season. He helped North Dakota State win the FCS national title in 2021 and was a member of '24 national championship team but didn't play that season due to injury.

Cole Wisniewski's stats

He ranked third on Tech with 78 tackles and was an honorable mention all-Big 12 selection. He also made six tackles for a loss, broke up six passes and forced two fumbles for the Red Raiders.

What is Cole Wisniewski's height, weight?

Wisniewski was listed as 6-4 and 220 pounds for the Red Raiders last season.

How did Cole Wisniewski do at the NFL combine?

Wisniewski wasn't invited to the combine, but according to The Athletic posted these numbers at his pro day: bench press, 22 reps of 225; vertical jump, 36 ½ inches; broad jump, 10 feet 2 inches.