Scout: Connor Cook has starter potential, but not star potential

[RS12]

Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook projects as a starter in the NFL, but for one high-level scout, not a star.

The senior enters arguably the biggest game of his career Saturday at home against Oregon as the Spartans look to add a major non-conference win to a resume that could eventually stack up well for the College Football Playoff selection committee. But it's the resume Cook is building as a player that will define the senior's place in the 2016 NFL Draft. NFL Media's Albert Breer spoke to an AFC college scouting director who already sees something of a ceiling for Cook, however.

• "He has excellent height, weight, he's athletic with good arm strength," the director told Breer. "But he struggles to read defenses and his football instincts are average. He has NFL starting ability, but he's not a franchise-type quarterback."

Last year, Cook completed 212 of 365 passes for 3,214 yards, 24 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. His career completion percentage isn't especially high (57.9), but in the Spartans' pro-style offense, he also doesn't benefit from as many easy, high-percentage throws as quarterbacks who play in spread attacks.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...-has-starter-potential-but-not-star-potential

 

[darthseinfeld]

I can see him being an Andy Dalton

 

[RS12]

Executive 1: Chad Pennington
"I see similarities to Pennington. He's smooth and has a good-not-great arm. He shows poise in the pocket and makes good decisions."

Executive 2: Nick Foles
"I still need to do a lot of work on him, but if I had to make a call now, I'd say Nick Foles. They both have good size. Smart, average athletes with good-not-great arm strength."

Executive 3: Blake Bortles
"Based on what I've seen so far, I'll go with Bortles. Talented guy with inconsistent arm strength and inconsistent decision making. They each have great size and sneaky athleticism."

Executive 4: Andy Dalton
"I think he's Andy Dalton with a stronger arm."

Executive 5: Carson Palmer
"Maybe Carson Palmer in some ways. Tons of arm talent, real good size, a good athlete, but moments of inconsistency that give you pause."

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap30...whats-best-player-comp-for-msu-qb-connor-cook

 

[Future]

I think I like the Carson Palmer comparisons more than any of those other ones.

You never know how Cook could develop at the pro level. The right QB coach could really help him understand reading defenses and that sort of thing. I think his ceiling is a bit higher than is being mentioned here.

 

[manster4ever]

I think I like the Carson Palmer comparisons more than any of those other ones.

You never know how Cook could develop at the pro level. The right QB coach could really help him understand reading defenses and that sort of thing. I think his ceiling is a bit higher than is being mentioned here.

Agree. I've seen Connor play every game of his career to this point including attending the Oregon game last Saturday night. He's unbelievable on 3rd down...kid was like 7 out of 10 vs the Ducks the other night and has a history of doing that in big games. However, he plays up and down to his competition. I've seen him have very average games against Western Michigan (this year) and even a horrible Purdue team a couple years ago. So his consistency has to improve. He does struggle reading Defensive schemes at times but it should be noted that he's allowed to do that. Most college QB's are not. They have a pre determined route and the OC tells them where to throw it....Baylor, Houston and other CFB offensive schemes are like this. So, yes he has some work to do but he's further along as a pro prospect than most any other QB in college today. He has to improve on his check downs....easy safety valve throws to RB's and TE's out of the back field. His intermediate and long passes are pretty solid overall. GREAT kid who stayed for his 4th year when he didn't have to

 

[RS12]

I can see him being an Andy Dalton

I think he has a higher ceiling than Dalton. Watched the Air Force game, and he is more mobile than I thought.

 

[reddyuta]

not very impressed at all to be frank,i thought he would be better this year but he has not improved.

 

[texbumthelife]

If he is there in the second I run to the podium with his name. I think he has every tool needed to develop into a good starter and he is a gamer like Romo--he wants the ball and he wants to make a play in the big moment.