Player: Bryan Cook

School: Cincinnati

Height and Weight: 6’1”, 206

Combine Results:

• 40: DNP
• Bench:  DNP
• Vertical Jump: DNP
• Broad Jump: DNP
• 3 Cone: DNP
• Other Notes: Cook had shoulder surgery after the season, and that is why he did not participate at the combine. 

Strengths: Tackling, leadership, IQ, Vision, man coverage, versatility, ability to roll coverage

Weaknesses: Deep zone coverage, trying to do too much, block shedding

Projected Draft Day: Day 2/Super Early Day 3

Player Comparison: Harrison Smith

Player Summary: I have not looked at all the safeties, but from what I have Bryan Cook looks like he very well could have the most potential out of any of the safeties in this class. Cook’s tape was a little bit up and down, but he definitely had some highlights within his tape that flashes the type of player he’s capable of becoming. It starts with his versatility. Cincinnati played Cook in a multitude of roles: deep safety, box safety, nickel back, sub linebacker. Cook seems to have the size and speed to play safety and in the box. It will be interesting to see what his draft team does with him, but there’s plenty of upside wherever you want to play him and in whatever role.

The positives for Cook is that he is a solid tackler. His form looks smooth and from what I watched looks like a consistent tackler. He also seems super comfortable in man coverage. Unlike some of the other safeties I’ve watched, Cook doesn’t panic if his man gets behind him. He looks back to track the ball and uses his length and athletic ability to make a play on the ball. Cook seems like a really high IQ type player, and the vocal leader of the secondary and maybe even the defense. He seems like he’s the guy who makes the calls and corrects people when they are aligned wrong. He’s pretty good at disguising his coverage and alignment as well as rolling the coverage. He seems to have solid vision and quick instincts to go try and make a play.

In terms of his weaknesses, Cook seems to struggle a little bit when playing the deep third. Cook seems to let the play get behind him at times and if he looks the wrong way, I don’t know if he has the speed to close down on the throw to make a play. Like he has the speed to play safety, but not necessarily the speed to make up for a misread or mistake. Another issue I see is when he is in the box, he tends to be taken out of the play by anyone who can get hands on him. He really needs to work on shedding blocks. Ultimately, Cook is a playmaker; however it seems like he can have the tendency to try to do too much at once. There were a couple times where it looked like he was out of place and crossing into other zones. I love that he’s eager to make a play, but being out of place in the pros too often could lead to him being in the dog house early.

I compared Cook to Harrison Smith because physically they are built similarly and they have a similar style of play. Harrison Smith has been one of the best box safeties during his time in the league, yet can also play the deep center field. Harrison Smith is a clear leader and high IQ player. I see a lot of Smith in Cook, and think that Cook could find himself being in the conversation as one of the league’s best in a few years. Although I believe Cook could start right away if needed; I believe that his best course of action would be to sit for at least a year under a veteran and good DC, who could help teach him the game and enhance his skills to the level I believe they could be. Cook is raw with great upside, and I definitely want to watch his development in the league.