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2016 NFL Draft: 5 Risky Picks the 49ers Should Avoid

By Jerod Brown

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes a photo with draft prospects in attendance before the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell takes a photo with draft prospects in attendance before the 2014 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) in action against Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Michigan State Spartans quarterback Connor Cook (18) in action against Alabama Crimson Tide in the second half of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

Connor Cook-Quarterback-Michigan State

Most would assume that the 49ers will select a quarterback with one of their picks in April. That selection could be their first, with both Cal’s Jared Goff and North Dakota State’s Carson Wentz being mocked to the team.

But what if they decide to wait on a quarterback and select one later? That strategy might not be a bad one. There are quarterback options late in the draft, including Ohio State’s Cardale Jones, that could prove to be incredibly successful players at the professional level.

The strategy would, however, be absolutely terrible if the 49ers decide to select a quarterback with their pick in Round 2. Specifically, Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook. The 49ers should avoid Cook without thinking twice.

Cook looks every bit of an NFL-level quarterback. He stands at 6’4” and weighs 220 pounds. He demonstrates mobility and shows a willingness to sit in a collapsing pocket. His arm strength isn’t a question for teams.

Unfortunately, as Cook senses pressure, his ball placement becomes increasingly erratic and inefficient. Receivers are continually making unnecessary adjustments on balls from Cook. If Cook were able to keep his feet settled consistently in the pocket, he’d dramatically improve as a passer. His mechanics break down almost immediately when sensing a rush–a rarity behind a very good offensive line at Michigan State.

The impressive team over at Draft Breakdown have put together a multitude of tapes on Cook and his performance against Western Michigan is an example of his deficiencies.

In addition to Cook’s lackluster bowl game, he also disappointed by not participating in the Senior Bowl. Cook likely would have been the second-best quarterback in Mobile, behind Wentz, and instead he opted not to compete. That choice could hurt Cook’s stock as the draft approaches.

Ian Wharton, a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, discussed where Cook stands among the draft community. The opinions are all over the board.

Coaches want to see players compete in any environment when given the opportunity to do so. Cook chose not to.

Cook will likely be selected in Round 2 with a team looking to develop him into a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. The 49ers, if they decide to pass in Round 1, should wait until late in the draft to get a quarterback. Cook will not be worth the 49ers efforts.

Next: Right Tackle From the Wrong School?