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
Brandin Cooks – Oregon State – 5’10” – 189 lbs – 4.33 forty
Confession, I had made up my mind that I didn’t want KC to draft Brandin Cooks after the first time I watched film on him a couple of months ago. The reason for this is because I don’t believe Cooks can play as a traditional starting #1 or #2 WR in a west coast offense. I get that Desean Jackson thrived under Andy Reid and he’s short by NFL standards. I get that Cooks is only a little over an inch shorter than Beckham Jr. who I just highly endorsed. If you watch Brandin Cooks on film I believe he plays significantly shorter than either Jackson or Beckham. A professional scout could probably give you a better reason as to why that is. Maybe it’s arm length, leaping ability, the ever popular “catch radius”, or even something to do with Cooks’ tiny legs (seriously, they’re noticeably shorter than a typical person’s).
When I watch Brandin Cooks play I don’t see Desean Jackson, I see Darren Sproles. It starts with their similar small stature, including their short legs. This low center of gravity gives them their “shifty” explosiveness. My thought was that on a team lacking a true #2 WR and already boasting one of the most explosive pass catching RBs in the NFL, a player that I see as the next Darren Sproles might not be exactly what KC is needing. I still maintain that stance to an extent. It’s why I prefer Beckham Jr. despite Cooks more explosive speed and is part of the reason why I’m willing to pass on a WR in the first round in order to draft another position like defensive line.
HOWEVER, the more I watch of Cooks the more I think he would be a welcomed addition in KC. While he may not be a “traditional” WR, he is a special talent. The recent interview with former Eagles scout and NFL insider Daniel Jeremiah where he talked about Andy Reid wanting explosive players that can get yardage in big chunks screams Brandin Cooks. AA editor Ben Nielsen was quick to point out that Chiefs GM John Dorsey may not prefer a player of Cooks stature, but his talent can’t be denied. Reid is an offensive genius, and I would trust him to call plays that could get the ball in Cooks hands. An offense with two explosive players like Jamaal Charles and Brandin Cooks would be a dangerous one. You add in Alex Smith refusing to turn the ball over and hopefully some production from Dwayne Bowe and that would be an offense that should put up some big numbers.
So while I wrote off Brandin Cooks earlier in the draft evaluation process, I’m putting him back on the table. That brings us back to the question of if he will be available at pick #23. I think that’s debatable. Elite playmakers are in high demand in today’s NFL. That’s why Tavon Austin went so high last season. If Beckham Jr. were to go off the board to say the Steelers or the Jets, would the explosive Cooks make it past Chip Kelly and the Eagles at pick #22? Cooks seems exactly like the type of player that Kelly might covet for his offense. The only hope for fans wanting to draft Cooks might be that Philly already added Darren Sproles. Perhaps Kelly would see those two as too similar and look elsewhere with their pick.
The bottom line is that Brandin Cooks isn’t a traditional WR, but is an exceptional talent and would add a dynamic playmaker to KC’s offense. However, I would put the odds of Cooks being available when KC picks at about 50/50.
Next up, Marqise Lee……….