2014 NFL Draft Profile: Brandin Cooks, WR Oregon State
By Adam Carlson
Nov 23, 2013; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers wide receiver Brandin Cooks (7) scores a touchdown against the Washington Huskies in the second half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks is on the rise. He has moved up many draft charts because of a good combine where he put up a very impressive time in the 40 yard dash. Although having good acceleration and speed are a great thing, there is more to being a successful NFL wide receiver.
He has shown an ability to snag passes out of the air with soft hands, but seems timid when going over the middle for fear of contact. He also seems to struggle a bit when met with a physical defender bumping him off his route after the snap.
Teams looking for a quick, elusive receiver to help open things up down the field will see Cooks as a player that could be very valuable to their offense.
Here are his statistics over 3 years at Oregon State:
Feb 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks wide receiver Brandin Cooks (13) catches the ball during the 2014 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
38 games played
226 catches
3272 receiving yards
24 receiving touchdowns
61 rushes
340 rushing yards
2 rushing touchdowns
Strengths
- Speed
- Acceleration
- Toughness
- Hands
- Footwork
Weaknesses
- Size
- Strength
- Avoids contact
Fit For The Vikings
Good receivers are always a great asset to have. And Cooks is going to be a very good NFL pass catcher, but he could be limited to slot duties. The Vikings already have Jarius Wright to fill that role.
My Take
Despite his skill level, the Vikings would be better off passing on Cooks with both their first and second round picks to address needs at other positions.