2016 NFL Draft Profile: QB Connor Cook

In this 2016 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths and weakness of quarterback Connor Cook out of Michigan State.

Coming out of a very tough division in college in the BIG 10, Cook played for one of the best programs in the division. Most players at the quarterback position with NFL talent usually leave after one or two years but Cook stayed all four years to perfect his game. It wasn’t an easy road because the first two years he was really given the chance to learn as he red-shirted in 2011 and was the backup quarterback in 2012.

When he was given the chance in 2013 to start, he took full advantage of it and made the best of it by leading the Spartans to a 12-1 record which was very impressive. This past year, he had an amazing season and qualified for the College Football Playoffs but were beaten bad by Alabama.

What NFL organizations are questioning is the injury he was playing through which was a shoulder injury. He passed on the invite he received to play in the Senior Bowl where the best players in the draft get the opportunity to face one another and show off their skills.

STRENGTHS

Cook is a tough player that many teams would like because of his confidence in being able to pass the football. Most teams would like a quarterback that has a strong arm that can throw the ball down the field and that’s what Cook has which teams like about him.

Cook is also able to fire quick passes in the short game that most quarterbacks can’t even make on a consistent basis.

He is also a very confident player that is very poised in key situations that has helped him develop his game over four years. He is also able to make the throws on the sidelines that most players cant even make the throw.

WEAKNESSES

Once he is moved out of the pocket, Cook has a tendency to force the football into tight coverage which usually comes back to haunt him. He also has a problem in staring down receivers that he is planning to throw the football to in high traffic which leads to drastic mistakes.

Cook also needs to learn how to control himself when the pocket starts to collapse and be able to extend plays. He also has an attitude problem that many franchises aren’t too sure if he is mature enough to make it in the NFL. He has different personalities that you wonder as a fan if he can be a true leader in the locker room. His percentage in completing passes is a bit low at 57.5% which questions his accuracy.

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

DRAFT DAY PREDICTION

Overall, Cook has work to do in preparation for his journey into the NFL. If he doesn’t fix his problems, then he won’t succeed in the NFL. He needs to be more of a leader and become the voice of the team and not act like a diva.

Cook needs to learn from others that are in the NFL that are in his position and simply listen to what they say and develop into everything he dreams to be. If he is able prove his worth and that he can indeed be a true leader and face of a franchise, it’ll improve his draft stock.

More jets: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: New York Jets select Darron Lee

The projection for Cook is he is a late first-round draft pick or mid second round draft pick but he has plenty of work to do.