New England Patriots: 5 Reasons to Get Wicked Excited About Brandin Cooks

A homerun hitter

Nicknamed “The Archer,” Brandin Cooks can score from anywhere on the field.  His big play ability will be interesting in the Patriots’ offense.

Cooks had two of the four longest receptions in the NFL last season with touchdown receptions of 98 yards and 87 yards. The sheer breakaway speed he showed on those plays is the type of down the field speed absent from the Patriots’ offensive play book.

Sure, they have tried with deep throws to Julian Edelman and even special teams ace Matthew Slater, but a consistent threat has been missing until last season with Chris Hogan.  Although Hogan was able to provide those plays when open, he still lacked the type of separation ability Cooks now provides.

Related Story: Chris Hogan Shows He’s a Deep Threat

I think this is the reason the Patriots were adamant about adding a speedy outside threat.  We saw it in a few games during the regular season and in Super Bowl LI.  When the Patriots receivers are not able to get separation, the offense really bogs down.

The majority of that was due to the absence of Rob Gronkowski.  But even with a tight end like Martellus Bennett on the field, there were times the receivers couldn’t get open.  With the speed Cooks possesses, he will draw over the top safety help that will open things up quite a bit for Brady.