Brandin Cooks NFL Draft 2014: Highlights, Scouting Report for Saints WR

Brandin Cooks, WR, Oregon State (HT: 5'9¾", WR: 189)

New Orleans (Saints traded 27th and 91st picks to Cardinals for 20th pick)

First Round: 20th pick 

NFL Comparison: Kendall Wright, WR, Tennessee Titans 

Height	Weight	Arms	Hands
5'10"	189	30 3/4"	9 5/8"

40-Yd Dash	10-Yd Split	Vertical	Broad Jump	3-Cone	Shuttle
4.33	1.50	36"	10'0"	6.76	3.81

Positives

• Lacks the ideal measurables but has the athleticism to make up for it and carve out a productive role for himself in the NFL. 
• Elite start-and-stop ability which makes him extremely difficult to contain in the open field.
• Ability to get up to full speed quickly keeps defensive backs on their toes and likely makes them think twice about playing press coverage. 
• His ability to get over the top of the defense requires the attention of a safety at all times. 
• Hands are above average. 
• Does a great job adjusting to poorly placed balls. 
• Played in a well-balanced passing attack at Oregon State and was asked to run a full complement of routes. 
• Depth and timing of his routes are consistent, and he seemed to always be on the same page with quarterback Sean Mannion. 
• An explosive punt returner, who will likely start immediately in this role in the NFL.

Negatives

• Overall size and strength raises some questions about long-term durability.
• He's stayed relatively healthy throughout his college career, but he would improve his ability to stay on the field by adding some weight. 
• Suffered an ankle injury against Oregon in 2012 and was slowed by a knee injury early in the 2012 season. 
• Doesn't always make great decisions after the catch. 
• Needs to avoid running backward and losing yardage after the catch.
• He's extremely quick with his cuts, but sometimes his movements are exaggerated which will tip off more savvy defensive backs trying to stick with him in man coverage. 
• Not a threat to come down with the ball in tight coverage. 
• Struggles to fend off defenders on 50/50 balls. 

Year	School	Rec	Yards	Yds/Rec	TD
2011	Oregon St.	31	391	12.6	3
2012	Oregon St.	67	1151	17.2	5
2013	Oregon St.	128	1730	13.5	16

Personal Notes

• Also ran track at Oregon State and competed in the Junior Olympics in high school. 
• 2013 Biletnikoff Award winner. 
• First-team All-Pac 12 and consensus All-American in 2013. 

Ratings Chart

Charted created at nces.ed.gov

Overall

Cooks immediately stands out as one of the fastest receivers in this year's class, but it's more than just his straight-line speed that makes him so dangerous. While many receivers are track-fast, Cooks has the functional speed and agility to make him extremely elusive in the open field. His athleticism also makes him a fluid route-runner, with the potential to improve in this area. Due to the depth in this year's class at receiver, he may fall the second day, but from a pure talent perspective it's difficult to argue that Cooks isn't a first-round talent. 

Draft Projection: 1st Round