Connor Cook Comments on Leadership, Shoulder Injury, More at 2016 NFL Combine

Former Michigan State quarterback and 2016 draft prospect Connor Cook took to the podium at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday to answer a number of questions about his abilities and status. 

The 6'4", 220-pound quarterback is coming off a 2015 season in which he finished fifth in the NCAA with 24 touchdown passes while winning the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award.

Stats, ability and awards aside, the combine also looks for intangibles like leadership, which Cook addressed per Joe Rexrode of the Detroit Free Press:

He was quick to point out, though, that he doesn't cross the line while leading, per Rexrode:

Cook helped Michigan State to a 12-1 regular-season record and the College Football Playoff last year before it was thumped 38-0 by Alabama in the Cotton Bowl. He managed to do so while nursing an injury to his throwing shoulder during the final three games of the season, per Fox Sports' Bruce Feldman.  

However, the injury did force him out of the Senior Bowl in January.

On Thursday, Cook put to bed any doubts that his shoulder wasn't good to go, per Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan:

The Hinckley, Ohio, native is one of the better quarterback prospects in this draft alongside California's Jared Goff, North Dakota State's Carson Wentz and Memphis' Paxton Lynch. So there should be some teams interested in watching him throw.

But there's one team that stands out to him, according to Ohio.com's Nate Ulrich:

Cleveland has the No. 2 pick in April, but Cook is unlikely to go that high. He is not projected to go in the first round in many mock drafts, including those of ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. and NFL.com's Bucky Brooks, Daniel Jeremiah, Charles Davis and Lance Zierlein. 

A strong showing at the combine and confirmation that his shoulder is healed could help raise Cook's stock and earn him a higher selection in the draft.

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.