Earlier this offseason, the New England Patriots struck a trade with the New Orleans Saints. (Side note: why do teams trade with the Patriots?! Seriously... someone answer this.) In the trade, the Patriots gave up their 2017 first-round draft choice (No. 32 overall) to the Saints in exchange for wide receiver Brandin Cooks and the Saints' fourth-round pick (No. 118).
Cooks was drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft and has gone on to record 2,861 yards and 20 touchdowns in his three seasons in New Orleans. A speedster and proven deep threat, Cooks is one of three players who have recorded 75 receptions for 1,000 receiving yards and 8 receiving touchdowns in each of the last two seasons, per ESPN Stats & Info.
When the Cincinnati Bengals drafted John Ross in Round 1 of the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday, what they were going for is what Cooks possesses and what he’ll bring to the Patriots in 2017. That’s a playmaker who can stretch the field, go deep and force opposing defenses to respect him.
So, while many Bengals fans seem disappointed in the selection of Ross, a speedy threat was a need for Cincinnati and it’s something the Patriots sought out this offseason, too.
Would you have rathered the Bengals try to trade for Cooks, who has one year remaining on his rookie contract, plus his fifth year option? Or, are you happy with the Bengals drafting Ross in Round 1?
WOULD YOU RATHER: Trade first-rounder for Brandin Cooks and a Day 3 pick or draft John Ross?
— Connor Howe (@YBConnor) April 28, 2017