Goff has essentially the same build and experience vs. similar competition, not to mention a much worse record. The big knock on Cook is that he is off putting and has a bit of an attitude. Personally that's my issue with Goff not Cook. Cook looks way more comfortable and likeable in front of the cameras.
I'm not Trying to down grade #GoffOrWentz, I have already said I think they are both NFL caliber QB's. I have also said that Wentz is maybe the most natural passer I've seen in a decade combined with his massive frame and ability to make plays with his feet. That puts him as #1 on my QB draft board. Goff is a close second. But just like the 2004 draft I see 3 long term franchise QB's coming out of this draft. #3 being Cook of coarse.
There are question marks about each of these three QB's as well as every other draft prospect this year. But what makes me include Cook with these other 2 QB's is the fact he has improved every year. That's the determining factor when considering any draft pick. First off has the player plateaued? Have they maxed out their ability?
Tim Tebow is a perfect example. He was an interesting prospect back when the Broncos made him a first round pick. He had the frame, the durability, toughness, intangibles, wining record and was obviously a threat when using his legs. The question was could he grow and develop as a passer. The answer was no.
Cam Newton was another example. He had a very similar list of positives when compared to Tebow. He also had a much more powerful arm. But he was a terribly inconsistent passer his first three years in the league. After watching his MVP performance in 2015 we see proof that he has been committed to being as well rounded a player as possible. He doesn't use his ability to make plays running the ball as a crutch. Instead he's been focused on getting better as a pocket passer and then combining that with his other strengths.
So, the deciding factor with all three of these QB's will be 1) Can they get better, or are they maxed out?... AND, 2) Do they have the fire in their bellies to put in the work necessary?
This is why I see Cook as a future star in this draft and Paxton Lynch as a sure fire bust. I think Lynch is the 5th best QB in this draft, and he will almost surely (and curiously) be a first round pick. A HUGE reach by a QB needy team is coming through on my crystal ball. Sadly I think that team may be the NY Jets. I even think they may trade up for this guy. Yet another bone head move by one of the worst drafting teams in pro sports. They already have Bryce Petty, why draft another project QB?
Anyways, on to some other players I really like in this draft. Here is my top 15 ranked players followed by some possible busts.
Future 'Stars'
Bluechip/ Can't Miss:
1. OT Laremy Tunsil (Boy does that sound like a player from Ole' Miss or what?)
2. DE/ OLB Joey Bosa (Reminds me of a faster more dynamic Jarred Allen)
3. OT Ronnie Stanley (10 year starter)
4. RB Ezekiel Elliott (Will make the league forget who Todd Gurley is)
5. QB Carson Wentz (See above)
6. DE Kevin Dodd (Not as much hype as his teammate Lawson, but he's the real deal)
Possible stars with some big question marks:
7. DE Deforest Buckner (very close to a bluechip ranking)
8. QB Jared Goff (See above)
9. OLB Myles Jack (he is the complete package, but the injury is a concern)
10. TE Hunter Henry (Jets or Raiders, PLEASE! Most well rounded and NFL ready TE to come out of college that I can remember. For him to be a bust he will have to go to a dumpster fire franchise like Cleveland or the Bills)
11. WR Josh Doctson (The next Anquan Boldin, mark my words. He's tenacious!)
12. CB Vernon Hargreaves (if he was just a notch faster he's a bluechipper)
13. CB/S Jalen Ramsey (He is an amazing athlete, but he isn't a clear cut #1 CB, he's a tweener... not a top 10 pick IMHO)
14. QB Connor Cook (See above)
15. DT/DE Sheldon Rankins (A Sheldon Richardson clone, former DROY)
And now for the busts!!!
These guys will be drafted WAY too high:
- MLB Reggie Ragland (One of many Alabama players I will list here. Slow and lazy, he's a J.A.G. in the NFL... 'just another guy'. I see him as a 4th round pick)
- DT Jarran Reed (He simply doesn't get to the QB, just a big body who bullied The Tides inferior opponents. 3rd round talent)
- OLB Leonhard Floyd (Just big for no reason. If you can't shed blocks you only LOOK like a LB in the NFL. 3rd rounder)
- DE/OLB Shaq Lawson (Gaudy 40 times and college stats aren't what I look for. He's dumb and wears out easily. Waste of a pick in any round.)
- DT/DE A'Shawn Robinson (This guy has a chance to eventually be productive, but I think it will take time. He's a late 2nd rounder)
- WR Will Fuller (6 foot, 180lb WR's need to be able to go over the middle, no matter how fast their 40 is. He's a one trick pony. There are only so many go routes to be run in this league. He's a 4th rounder)
- OLB Darren Lee (Smart guy with a high motor. But he is weak, his frame is all show. And he is a terrible tackler. He's a 3rd round talent only because of his brains and speed)
- QB Paxton Lynch (3 year project in the NFL, and even then he's a huge maybe. He's a 4th rounder like Bryce Petty was last year.)
- DE Robert Nkemdiche (drug issues and 6.5 sacks in 3 seasons at Mississippi? Nah bro, sorry. 5th round or later.)
- WR Laquon Treadwell (He has significant talent. If he went in the mid 2nd to early 3rd he would have a chance to develop and shine in the slot. However he will be a victim to his draft position. I bet he goes top 20, and that means teams expect him to be a #1 WR. He's just not that.)
-Jay Wagner
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