The Los Angeles Rams made another huge splash move on Tuesday afternoon with the acquisition of veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks from the New England Patriots. It brings another proven asset to the offense with another dynamic option in the passing game.
Cooks became available after contract talks with the Patriots had stalled, but also because the team didn't reportedly view him as a legitimate No.1 wide receiver. According to Myles Simmons of TheRams.com, head coach Sean McVay voiced during a recent injury that he believes that the 24-year-old can be an effective option in any offensive system in any role.
“And I think being able to play in two systems that I have a lot of respect for with New Orleans and New England, you can really evaluate a variety of routes. And they were moving him around, playing in the slot, playing outside. And that’s the thing that you’re excited about,” McVay continued, “is this guy’s got the ability to create in a variety of ways. And there’s really no limitations in how you can utilize him.”
“And all you really hear about Brandin is just what a phenomenal guy he is,” McVay said. “He's got enough tape that you can evaluate and say, certainly, I don't really care what system it is — this guy fits in any system because he can play ball.”
Through his first four years in the league, Cooks has demonstrated to be a huge asset in the passing game with his speed that helps him stretch the field as a big-play threat. In his lone campaign with the Patriots, he displayed just that with 65 catches for 1,082 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
That season put him alongside Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro wideout Antonio Brown as the only players to post an active streak of three straight years with at least 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdown receptions.
He is also just the fourth player to accomplish that feat prior to the age of 25, joining Hall of Famer Randy Moss, the New York Giants' Odell Beckham Jr., and John Jefferson. More importantly, he was a huge factor with making big plays as last season he ranked eighth in the league with 18 catches for at least 20 yards and tied for second with seven receptions for 40 or more yards.
Cooks has the opportunity to jump into a Rams offense as their top receiving option while filling the void left by Sammy Watkins' departure. These strong comments by McVay coupled with what he has shown throughout his career could lead to a highly productive 2018 campaign for him in Los Angeles.
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