2014 NFL Combine Preview: First Round Wide Receivers to Watch
By Ben Nielsen
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
School: Oregon State
Watch to Watch: 40-Time, Height and Weight, Bench Press
2013 Stats: 128 catches, 1,730 yards, 13.5 ypc, 16 touchdowns
Met with Chiefs: No
Brandin Cooks reminds me of a little bit of a miniature version of Brandon Marshall.
Now Marshall is a huge dude, so in no way does Cooks compare in body type. In fact, Cooks is the exact opposite when it comes to size. But he does compare in hand strength and “getting open.” How in the world does a number one wide receiver catch 128 passes in a 13-game season? Watch his video and you’ll see he gets open in host of ways. I’m really interested to see how much of that is because of Oregon State’s scheme and how much is Cooks’ route running abilities.
Cooks does have some issues when it comes to size and strength. This could come into play with durability and getting off press coverage. A lot of Andy Reid’s offense involves getting receivers open in space over the middle of the field, which Cooks has the ability to do. The issue is what happens when he gets leveled by a 250-pound linebacker. Will he get up?
His size also posses a problem for getting open down the field. At 5-10, making plays downfield is going to be difficult for him. If the Chiefs are going to select a wide receiver in the first round, they’ll want a guy who can make plays downfield – a weapon they currently lack.