The Saints traded up seven spots to choose Oregon WR Brandin Cooks adding to an already impressive offensive arsenal that features Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston, Kenny Stills, Robert Meachem, Nick Toon, Pierre Thomas, and Mark Ingram. They mirror the strategy that the Bills and Lions have already taken in this year's Draft, doubling-down in the place that they're already strong, looking to keep up with the other powers in the NFC.
NFL Draft 2014: Saints follow Bills, Lions in offensive double-down with Brandin Cooks pick
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Cooks is definitely an interesting piece of the Saints’ offensive puzzle, and while he doesn’t have the same body-type as recently departed RB Darren Sproles, he can play a similar role as a catch and run type of player inside the numbers. Sproles took handoffs in the backfield at times, but was most dangerous after the catch as a receiver, and if I had to guess, I’d say that Sean Payton sees Cooks as a potential replacement in YAC (yards after the catch) in his explosive offense.
Cooks is one of the most explosive and athletic receivers in this year’s class, particularly after the catch, and his otherworldly ability to make defenders miss makes him perfect for this role in New Orleans. Bottom line, this is an intriguing pick for the Saints and Cooks immediately shoots up toward the top of the list in fantasy football breakout stars in 2014.
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