2016 NFL Draft: 49ers Quarterback Big Board
By Jerod Brown
Connor Cook-Michigan State
The San Francisco 49ers are routinely linked to Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook. Almost every few days, it seems there is a new rumor being reported by Bleacher Report’s NFL Reporter Jason Cole that suggests the 49ers are interested in Cook as their quarterback.
The most recent video suggests the 49ers have an “affinity” for Cook and may be interested in taking him early in the second round or moving back up into the end of the first to secure Cook.
If Trent Baalke is interested in saving his job, he should avoid Cook. I recently wrote about why the 49ers would be wise to select someone other than Cook in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Cook has intriguing size and can point to his time at Michigan State as an example of why he should be drafted high, but some of the negatives associated with Cook are already present in a struggling 49ers quarterback.
A tendency to stare down receivers off the snap and telegraph passes. A dramatic decrease in accuracy in the face of perceived pressure. Slow decision making in the pocket when primary reads are covered. Cook toggles between these issues on seemingly every other play.
Does he make some exceptional throws occasionally? Absolutely. Cook certainly has the arm talent to succeed at the NFL. However, for every spectacular throw he makes, he is nearly intercepted another two or three times. The throws that Cook got away with in college will be easy pickings for defensive backs in the NFL..
Connor Cook will garner major interest among teams that believe they have a quarterback coach and system to protect the Michigan State product. The 49ers could be one of the teams that are interested.
Cook should be late on the 49ers’ quarterback Big Board, at a ranking where he isn’t pursued until the fifth round or later.
Next: Most-Intriguing Option