Earlier in the year, Michigan State junior quarterback Connor Cook admitted that his first desire was to return to school for his senior season to continue working on his game and perhaps get his Spartans to a national championship. However, he left the door open to the possibility that he may come out early if he felt strongly enough that a pro team would take him in the 1st round of the 2015 NFL draft.
Based on recent signs, that possibility is becoming more and more likely. Given the state of mobile quarterbacks in the pros, the enthusiasm surrounding Heisman hopeful Marcus Mariota has cooled. Many feel that despite his running ability and great stats, he has a lot of flaws to his game that won’t translate well to the pros, specifically a lack of accuracy on throws in tight windows or down the field.
Then there is Jameis Winston. On pure physical talent and winning, scouts are finding it hard to argue that he is a top 10 pick for sure. The problem is nobody can just ignore his off-the-field problems, his maturity issues and his spotty accuracy that has led to a lot of interceptions. This has dropped Winston off many draft boards entirely.
With buzz cooling on those two, the window has opened for Connor Cook. He is the consensus third best quarterback who could be available next April and is only seeing his stock gain steam as teams sour on Mariota and Winston.
"“We’re preparing for him like he’s coming out, even if he said he’s not.” — “He’s a top 15 pick if he enters.” — “Supply and demand says this kid goes early Round 1. He’s the best pocket passer in the class.”"
That was what a pro scout told draft analyst Matt Miller from Bleacher Report. Indeed Cook has shown two years in a row what he brings to the table. He’s smart, tough, tall, shows a good arm and is a leader in the huddle. As the NFL shifts back to a preference for quarterbacks like a Manning or Brady, the timing won’t get much better for him to pull the trigger.