New Orleans Saints wide receiver Brandin Cooks has been a shining star in training camp. The rookie has drawn nearly universal praise for his performances, the most recent coming from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rapoport called Cooks a "lightning bolt" and noted that the Saints "already have a package of plays designed to unleash him."
Saints plan to ‘unleash’ Brandin Cooks, making him potential fantasy star
Brandin Cooks has been lighting up training camp and the Saints have big plans for his rookie year. We break down the fantasy implications.
Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Cooks was taken with the No. 20 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft after a sensational year at Oregon State, where he recorded 128 catches for 1,730 yards and 18 total touchdowns.
Fantasy impact: Cooks is expected to start off the year as the slot receiver with Marques Colston and Kenny Stills working on the outside. The Saints could utilize him in the same way they used Darren Sproles -- as a versatile pass catcher who can make plays from anywhere on the field.
With Drew Brees and Sean Payton still going strong, Cooks is an early favorite to lead all rookie receivers in fantasy points. He has a more stable quarterback situation than Sammy Watkins, who is being drafted in the seventh round while Cooks is going a full round later. Buy low on him while you still can.
