As the fantasy football season approaches, enthusiasts are busy preparing their draft strategies, and one of the most debated topics is whether to draft Brandin Cooks. The talented wide receiver has been a consistent performer in the NFL, but his value can be a bit tricky to assess. In this article, we’ll delve into the world of fantasy football and explore the pros and cons of drafting Brandin Cooks.
Understanding Brandin Cooks’ NFL Career
Before we dive into the fantasy football aspect, it’s essential to understand Brandin Cooks’ NFL career. The 29-year-old wide receiver was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft. Since then, he has played for the Saints, New England Patriots, Los Angeles Rams, and Houston Texans. Throughout his career, Cooks has been known for his exceptional speed, agility, and ability to make big plays.
Cooks’ Statistical Analysis
To better understand Cooks’ value in fantasy football, let’s take a look at his statistical performance over the years. Here’s a brief overview of his NFL statistics:
| Season | Team | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Receiving Touchdowns |
| — | — | — | — | — |
| 2014 | New Orleans Saints | 53 | 550 | 3 |
| 2015 | New Orleans Saints | 84 | 1,138 | 9 |
| 2016 | New Orleans Saints | 78 | 1,173 | 8 |
| 2017 | New England Patriots | 65 | 1,082 | 7 |
| 2018 | Los Angeles Rams | 80 | 1,204 | 5 |
| 2019 | Los Angeles Rams | 42 | 583 | 2 |
| 2020 | Houston Texans | 81 | 1,150 | 3 |
| 2021 | Houston Texans | 90 | 1,037 | 6 |
As you can see, Cooks has been a consistent performer throughout his career, with an average of 70 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and 5 receiving touchdowns per season.
Fantasy Football Value
Now that we’ve analyzed Cooks’ NFL career and statistics, let’s discuss his fantasy football value. In fantasy football, Cooks is considered a mid-tier wide receiver, with an average draft position (ADP) of around 50-60. However, his value can fluctuate depending on the team he plays for, the quarterback throwing to him, and the overall depth of the wide receiver position.
Pros of Drafting Brandin Cooks
There are several reasons why you should consider drafting Brandin Cooks in your fantasy football league:
- Consistency: Cooks has been a consistent performer throughout his career, with an average of 70 receptions and 1,000 receiving yards per season.
- Speed and Agility: Cooks is known for his exceptional speed and agility, which makes him a threat to make big plays every time he touches the ball.
- Red Zone Target: Cooks has been a reliable red zone target throughout his career, with an average of 5 receiving touchdowns per season.
Cons of Drafting Brandin Cooks
While Cooks has many positive attributes, there are also some concerns that you should be aware of:
- Quarterback Play: Cooks’ value is heavily dependent on the quarterback throwing to him. If he’s paired with a subpar quarterback, his production could suffer.
- Depth of Wide Receiver Position: The wide receiver position is extremely deep in fantasy football, with many talented players to choose from. This could make Cooks a less desirable option in drafts.
- Injury Concerns: Cooks has struggled with injuries throughout his career, which could impact his production and availability.
Team and Quarterback Impact
As mentioned earlier, Cooks’ value is heavily dependent on the team he plays for and the quarterback throwing to him. In 2022, Cooks is expected to play for the Houston Texans, alongside quarterback Davis Mills. While Mills is a talented young quarterback, he’s still unproven, and his play could impact Cooks’ production.
Texans’ Offense
The Texans’ offense is expected to be a run-heavy unit, with a focus on feeding running back Dameon Pierce. However, Cooks is expected to be the team’s number one wide receiver, and he should see a significant target share.
Quarterback Davis Mills
Davis Mills is a talented young quarterback, but he’s still unproven. In his rookie season, Mills showed flashes of brilliance, but he also struggled with consistency. If Mills can take a step forward in 2022, Cooks’ value could increase significantly.
Conclusion
So, should you draft Brandin Cooks in your fantasy football league? The answer depends on your team’s specific needs and your overall draft strategy. If you’re looking for a consistent wide receiver with a high target share, Cooks could be a great option. However, if you’re concerned about the quarterback play or the depth of the wide receiver position, you may want to look elsewhere.
Ultimately, Cooks is a mid-tier wide receiver with a high ceiling and a low floor. If you can get him at the right price, he could be a great addition to your fantasy football team.
Final Verdict
Based on our analysis, we would recommend drafting Brandin Cooks in the following situations:
- If you need a consistent wide receiver with a high target share.
- If you believe in quarterback Davis Mills and the Texans’ offense.
- If you can get Cooks at a discounted price due to concerns about the quarterback play or the depth of the wide receiver position.
However, if you’re concerned about the quarterback play or the depth of the wide receiver position, you may want to look elsewhere.
What are Brandin Cooks’ past fantasy football performances?
Brandin Cooks has consistently been a top-tier wide receiver in fantasy football. Throughout his career, he has averaged around 70 receptions, 1,000 receiving yards, and 5-7 touchdowns per season. His past performances indicate that he is a reliable pick for fantasy teams, especially in PPR (points per reception) leagues.
However, it’s essential to consider the teams he has played for and the quarterbacks throwing to him. Cooks has had the opportunity to play with talented quarterbacks like Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Deshaun Watson, which has contributed to his success. His production may vary depending on the team’s offense and quarterback play.
What is Brandin Cooks’ current team and how will it affect his fantasy value?
Brandin Cooks is currently playing for the Dallas Cowboys. The Cowboys have a strong offense, and Cooks is expected to be a key contributor to the team’s passing game. With quarterback Dak Prescott throwing to him, Cooks’ fantasy value is likely to remain high.
However, the Cowboys also have other talented wide receivers, such as CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup, which may affect Cooks’ target share. Additionally, the team’s running game, led by Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, may also impact the passing game’s overall production. Fantasy owners should consider these factors when evaluating Cooks’ value.
What are the strengths and weaknesses of Brandin Cooks’ game?
One of Brandin Cooks’ greatest strengths is his speed and agility, which allows him to create separation from defenders and make big plays down the field. He is also an excellent route runner, which enables him to get open quickly and consistently. Additionally, Cooks has reliable hands and is a threat in the red zone.
However, one of Cooks’ weaknesses is his size, as he is a smaller receiver. This can make it difficult for him to win jump balls and compete for contested catches. Additionally, Cooks has been injured in the past, which may be a concern for fantasy owners. Despite these weaknesses, Cooks’ strengths make him a valuable asset to fantasy teams.
How does Brandin Cooks’ ADP (average draft position) affect his fantasy value?
Brandin Cooks’ ADP is typically around the 4th-6th round in fantasy drafts. This ADP reflects his consistent production and reliability as a fantasy asset. However, it’s essential to consider the overall draft strategy and team needs when evaluating Cooks’ value.
If Cooks is available in the 4th-6th round, he may be a good value pick, especially in PPR leagues. However, if his ADP rises due to preseason hype or other factors, fantasy owners may need to reassess his value. It’s crucial to stay up-to-date with the latest news and ADP trends to make informed draft decisions.
What are the risks associated with drafting Brandin Cooks?
One of the primary risks associated with drafting Brandin Cooks is his injury history. Cooks has missed games in the past due to various injuries, which can impact his fantasy production. Additionally, the Cowboys’ offense and quarterback play may not be as consistent as Cooks’ previous teams, which could affect his target share and overall production.
Another risk is the presence of other talented wide receivers on the Cowboys, which may limit Cooks’ target share and opportunities. Fantasy owners should consider these risks when evaluating Cooks’ value and making draft decisions.
How does Brandin Cooks compare to other wide receivers in his tier?
Brandin Cooks is often compared to other wide receivers in his tier, such as Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Adam Thielen. While each of these receivers has their strengths and weaknesses, Cooks’ consistency and reliability make him a valuable asset. Cooks’ speed and agility also set him apart from other receivers in his tier.
However, the other receivers in his tier may have advantages in terms of size, target share, or quarterback play. Fantasy owners should carefully evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each receiver and consider their team’s specific needs when making draft decisions.
Should I draft Brandin Cooks in my fantasy football league?
Based on his past performances, current team, and strengths, Brandin Cooks is a solid pick for fantasy football leagues. He is a reliable receiver who can contribute consistently to fantasy teams, especially in PPR leagues. However, fantasy owners should consider the risks associated with drafting Cooks, such as his injury history and the presence of other talented wide receivers on the Cowboys.
Ultimately, the decision to draft Cooks depends on the overall draft strategy and team needs. If Cooks is available in the 4th-6th round, he may be a good value pick. However, if his ADP rises or other factors come into play, fantasy owners may need to reassess his value.