2016 NFL Combine Preview: Michigan State QB Connor Cook
What does Michigan State QB Connor Cook still have to prove at the 2016 NFL Combine?
Connor Cook is one of the rarest talents in this year’s NFL Draft. The NFL Combine is coming up on Tuesday and there are many question marks surrounding Michigan State‘s senior quarterback despite his incredible play for three years.
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Let’s take a look at what he did in his time at Michigan State, what his current draft stock is and what he still has to prove, or improve.
What did he do at Michigan State?
Taking over for Andrew Maxwell in the 2012 Buffalo Wild Wings Bowl against TCU proved to be the start of Cook’s rise to stardom. The redshirt freshman quarterback helped lead the Spartans to a big win and then ended up earning the starting job the following fall.
Cook led the Spartans to a 12-1 record following a Big Ten Championship Game win against undefeated Ohio State and then a trip to the Rose Bowl. He then engineered a win in the big game, the Spartans’ first Rose Bowl win since the 1980s.
The next season, he was already on Heisman watch. He began the year with a tough loss on the road to Oregon, but he passed for over 340 yards and two scores. He eventually lost one more game against eventual-national champ Ohio State at home. The Spartans then went on to win the Cotton Bowl in epic comeback fashion against Baylor.
Deciding to come back for his senior year instead of head to the NFL, Cook wanted to win a national title. He led the Spartans to an 11-1 regular season record, then another Big Ten title and a trip to the College Football Playoff. The Spartans were shut out by Alabama, though.
The senior was a two-time Second-Team All-Big Ten player, All-Big Ten first-teamer in 2015, Big Ten QB of the Year in 2015, Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award winner and two-time conference champ and Big Ten title game MVP. He’s also MSU’s all-time leading passer in yards (9,194) as well as touchdown passes (71).
What’s his current draft stock?
Cook’s draft stock has been dropping steadily over the past couple of months following his shoulder injury against Maryland which, in turn, led to his absence against Ohio State and poor play against Alabama in the Cotton Bowl.
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The Michigan State stud is projected anywhere from the late-first to early-second round and CBS Sports projects him as the No. 44 overall player and fourth-best quarterback.
With a strong performance at the NFL Combine, he could play himself into a first-round selection.
What does he need to prove at NFL Combine?
Unfortunately for the gunslinger, there are a few things he needs to prove at the combine this week.
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For one, his character issues have been brought up immensely in recent months. There will be plenty of interviews and personality surveys for him to take part in, so if he wants to shut those rumors down, he needs to be his regular, genuine self that Spartan Nation has known for years.
As for his play on the field, I think there are some questions regarding his mobility. Can he run with the ball if he gets into trouble? Although 40-time might be the most overrated stat at the combine, it will be important for him to put up a solid mark.
Lastly, how strong will his arm prove to be after his rehabbing this past month out in California and decision to skip the senior bowl to ensure it gets its strength back? Cook’s arm will be heavily documented and you’ll be sure to hear about how much zip he has on his passes all week.