2014 NFL Draft Profile: Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks

The Eagles could be on the verge of trading one of their best offensive players in franchise history, according to several reports. With DeSean Jackson possibly out of the picture this season, the Eagles may need a new deep threat at wide receiver to fill the void. Philadelphia could target a speedster in the draft, with Oregon State's Brandin Cooks possibly serving as Jackson's successor.

College Career

A talented high school player that had 1,525 all purpose yards as a senior, Cooks committed to Oregon State in 2011. As a true freshman, he appeared in 12 games (three starts) as a wide receiver and a kick returner. He averaged 22.4 yards per return on eight kickoffs and caught 31 passes for 391 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He also had 41 rushing yards.

In his sophomore season, he started in all 13 games and had 67 receptions for 1,151 yards and fives touchdowns, while adding 82 yards on the ground. Last season, he returned punts and started all 13 games at wide receiver. He collected 128 receptions for 1,730 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns as a junior. He also added 217 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns and averaged six yards per punt return on 12 attempts. Cooks won the Biletnikoff Award, was a consensus All-American and broke the Pac-12 record for receptions.

Combine Numbers

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 189 lbs

Arm Length: 30 3/4"

Hands: 9 5/8"

40: 4.33 seconds (Top 2014 time for WRs)

Bench: 16 reps

Vertical Jump: 36 inches

Broad Jump: 120 inches

3-Cone: 6.76 seconds

Shuttle: 3.81 seconds (WR all-time record at the Combine)

Strengths

Cooks is a small guy but is surprisingly effective in traffic and the redzone. He is lethal on screens and reverses, while also showing the ability to get separation on post and "go" routes. He has terrific vision on screens and has excellent change-of-direction ability. An elusive runner, he has YAC written all over him.

Cooks has very good hands and shows considerable strength when fighting through tackles. He is smart and understands timing and route running. He will go up for the ball despite his size and displays legit leaping ability. He runs low to the ground and is tough to take down. He is tough and is not afraid to go over the middle.

He was used a ton at Oregon State but is leaving as a junior, so he does not have a ton of wear and tear on his resume.

Weaknesses

He can sometimes get ahead of himself and drop a pass or two due to mental errors. His size can be an issue against taller cornerbacks and he can be pushed off his route easily in press. While he is a willing blocker, he needs to improve in maintaining leverage. He is typically going to be overpowered, but being coached on leverage will allow him to at least have a shot in blocking.

Eagles Outlook

The Eagles will clearly need a new deep threat if they plan to trade away Jackson. Talent is not a question with Cooks, but it is more of a matter as to whether or not he meshes with Chip Kelly's size requirements. He would essentially be a tougher and more muscular Jackson with a cheaper salary. He will likely be taken in the 20-40 range in May, so the Eagles need to decide whether or not trade back or trade up to get the former Beaver.

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