Oregon State WR Brandin Cooks, who has been compared to Carolina Panthers WR Steve Smith, says he is hoping to run a 4.3-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, and he expects to measure in at 5-foot-10. Cooks is projected to be a late-first or early-second round pick in this year’s draft after leading the nation with 1,730 receiving yards. ‘Size-wise and the playmaking ability, but not just that. (Also) the heart and tenacity he brings to the game,’ Cooks said. ‘He’s not scared to do anything. He’s not scared to go over the middle … That’s how I like to see myself, too – a fearless receiver who’s not afraid to do those things.’

Footballguys View: We disagree with the Smith comparison. Cooks is smaller like Smith, but he lacks the ferocity that the Panthers veteran has. Cooks explodes out of his breaks and can be elusive after the catch. He struggles getting off the line of scrimmage if a team plays press/man against him. Cooks should be a first- or second-round pick, and he’s most comparable to Tavon Austin (Rams).
NFL | Brandin Cooks compared to Steve Smith