As the NFL draft approaches, football fans and analysts alike are buzzing with excitement, speculating about which college players will make the cut and become the next big stars in the league. One player who has been generating significant interest is Brady Cook, the talented quarterback from the University of Missouri. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Cook’s skills, stats, and prospects, and explore the question on everyone’s mind: will Brady Cook get drafted?
Who is Brady Cook?
Before we dive into Cook’s NFL prospects, let’s take a brief look at his background and college career. Brady Cook is a 6’2″ quarterback from Chaminade College Preparatory School in St. Louis, Missouri. He was a highly touted recruit coming out of high school, earning a 4-star rating from Rivals and 247Sports. Cook chose to stay in-state and attend the University of Missouri, where he has been the team’s starting quarterback since his sophomore season.
Cook’s College Stats
During his time at Missouri, Cook has put up some impressive numbers. In his junior season, he threw for 3,401 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions, leading the Tigers to a 6-7 record. He also showed his ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for 427 yards and 4 touchdowns. Cook’s stats have been consistent throughout his college career, and he has established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
| Season | Completions | Attempts | Passing Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 117 | 171 | 1,238 | 9 | 3 |
| 2021 | 242 | 389 | 3,401 | 27 | 10 |
| 2022 | 266 | 421 | 3,563 | 25 | 8 |
What are Cook’s Strengths and Weaknesses?
When evaluating Cook’s NFL prospects, it’s essential to consider his strengths and weaknesses as a quarterback. Here are some key points to consider:
Strengths:
- Accuracy: Cook has shown excellent accuracy throughout his college career, completing over 65% of his passes in each of the past two seasons.
- Arm Strength: Cook has a strong arm and can make throws to all levels of the field.
- Mobility: Cook is a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs, both in the pocket and on designed runs.
- Leadership: Cook has been the leader of the Missouri offense for the past two seasons, and his teammates and coaches praise his work ethic and leadership skills.
Weaknesses:
- Decision-Making: Cook has struggled with decision-making at times, throwing interceptions in critical situations.
- Pocket Presence: Cook can be prone to happy feet in the pocket, leading to sacks and incomplete passes.
- Deep Ball Accuracy: While Cook has a strong arm, he has struggled with deep ball accuracy, often overthrowing his receivers.
How Does Cook Compare to Other NFL Draft Prospects?
The 2024 NFL draft is expected to be deep at the quarterback position, with several top prospects vying for attention. Here’s how Cook compares to some of the other top quarterback prospects:
Top Quarterback Prospects:
- C.J. Stroud, Ohio State: Stroud is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in the draft, with excellent accuracy and arm strength.
- Bryce Young, Alabama: Young is a dynamic quarterback with excellent mobility and arm strength, but he has struggled with injuries throughout his college career.
- Will Levis, Kentucky: Levis is a physical quarterback with a strong arm and excellent mobility, but he has struggled with accuracy and decision-making.
Will Brady Cook Get Drafted?
Based on Cook’s skills, stats, and prospects, it’s likely that he will be drafted in the 2024 NFL draft. However, the question is, where will he be drafted? Cook’s strengths and weaknesses make him a mid-to-late round prospect, likely in the 3rd to 5th round range.
Draft Projections:
- ESPN: 4th round
- NFL.com: 3rd round
- CBS Sports: 5th round
Conclusion
Brady Cook is a talented quarterback with a strong arm, excellent accuracy, and good mobility. While he has some weaknesses, including decision-making and pocket presence, he has the potential to be a solid NFL quarterback. Based on his skills and prospects, it’s likely that Cook will be drafted in the 2024 NFL draft, likely in the mid-to-late rounds. As the draft approaches, Cook will look to showcase his skills and prove himself to NFL scouts and coaches.
What are Brady Cook’s strengths as a quarterback?
Brady Cook’s strengths as a quarterback include his athleticism, arm strength, and ability to extend plays with his feet. He has shown the ability to make throws on the run and outside of the pocket, which is a valuable asset in the NFL. Additionally, Cook has a strong arm and can make throws down the field with accuracy.
Cook’s athleticism also allows him to be a threat in the running game, which can be a valuable asset for an NFL team. He has shown the ability to make plays with his legs and can be a threat in the red zone. Overall, Cook’s combination of arm strength, athleticism, and ability to extend plays make him an intriguing prospect for NFL teams.
What are Brady Cook’s weaknesses as a quarterback?
Brady Cook’s weaknesses as a quarterback include his inexperience and inconsistent decision-making. He has only started for one full season at Missouri, which may raise concerns about his ability to handle the demands of being an NFL starter. Additionally, Cook has struggled with turnovers and has made some questionable decisions on the field.
Cook also needs to work on his pocket presence and ability to read defenses. At times, he can be slow to diagnose coverage and make throws, which can lead to sacks and turnovers. However, it’s worth noting that these are areas that can be improved with coaching and experience. If Cook can work on these weaknesses, he has the potential to be a solid NFL quarterback.
How does Brady Cook compare to other quarterback prospects in the draft?
Brady Cook compares favorably to other quarterback prospects in the draft in terms of his athleticism and arm strength. He has a similar skillset to quarterbacks like Malik Cunningham and J.J. McCarthy, who are also known for their ability to make plays outside of the pocket. However, Cook may not have the same level of experience or polish as some of the other top quarterback prospects.
That being said, Cook has a unique combination of skills that could make him an attractive option for NFL teams. He has the ability to make plays with his legs and arm, which could make him a valuable asset in the right system. If Cook can improve his decision-making and pocket presence, he could be a sleeper pick in the draft.
What are Brady Cook’s NFL draft projections?
Brady Cook’s NFL draft projections are currently all over the board. Some analysts have him projected as a mid-round pick, while others have him going undrafted. However, it’s worth noting that Cook’s stock could rise or fall depending on his performance at the NFL Combine and in private workouts.
If Cook can impress scouts and coaches with his athleticism and arm strength, he could potentially rise into the top 100 picks. However, if he struggles with decision-making and pocket presence, he may fall to the later rounds or go undrafted. Ultimately, Cook’s draft projection will depend on how he performs in the pre-draft process.
What teams might be interested in drafting Brady Cook?
Several teams might be interested in drafting Brady Cook, including those that run a spread or option-based offense. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Arizona Cardinals could be a good fit for Cook, as they all have systems that emphasize athleticism and playmaking ability.
Additionally, teams that are looking for a developmental quarterback could also be interested in Cook. Teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Chargers could be a good fit for Cook, as they all have veteran quarterbacks and could use a young quarterback to develop behind them.
What are Brady Cook’s chances of getting drafted?
Brady Cook’s chances of getting drafted are difficult to predict, but he has a good chance of being selected in the mid-to-late rounds. Cook has a unique combination of skills that could make him an attractive option for NFL teams, and he has shown the ability to make plays with his legs and arm.
However, Cook’s inexperience and inconsistent decision-making may raise concerns for some teams. If Cook can improve his pocket presence and decision-making, he could potentially rise into the top 100 picks. However, if he struggles with these areas, he may fall to the later rounds or go undrafted.
What’s next for Brady Cook in the pre-draft process?
Next for Brady Cook in the pre-draft process is the NFL Combine and private workouts. Cook will have the opportunity to impress scouts and coaches with his athleticism and arm strength, which could help raise his draft stock. Additionally, Cook will have the opportunity to meet with teams and answer questions about his decision-making and pocket presence.
If Cook can impress scouts and coaches with his performance at the Combine and in private workouts, he could potentially rise into the top 100 picks. However, if he struggles with these areas, he may fall to the later rounds or go undrafted. Ultimately, Cook’s performance in the pre-draft process will play a big role in determining his draft stock.