Jared Cook Showed Off Star Potential For Green Bay Packers Vs. 49ers

Jared Cook is a name that doesn’t come up very often when talking about the Green Bay Packers. He has been fairly quiet in preseason action, that is up until last night’s game against the San Francisco 49ers.

Green Bay knew that they needed to make an upgrade to the tight end position after last season. Richard Rodgers was able to make some plays, but they needed to bring in a more lethal weapon for superstar quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Cook fit the bill and was signed to a one-year deal, as ESPN reported.

Rodgers on TE Jared Cook: He did some good things out there. Fun to see him get the ball in his hands & make something happen. #GBvsSF

— Green Bay Packers (@packers) August 27, 2016

Last night against the 49ers in the Packers’ third preseason game, Cook caught four passes for 54 yards. He seemed to be in sync with Rodgers, which should strike fear in the hearts of the opposing defenses that the Packers will face in the 2016 NFL season.

At 6-foot-5 and 254 pounds, Cook is a bigger security blanket than Rodgers has ever had. Jermichael Finley was comparable, but Cook is a more dominant player when he is playing up to his full potential. Cook has never had a quarterback like Rogers, which could help turn his career around after a very disappointing tenure with the Rams.

Heading into his eighth NFL season, Cook is looking to prove that he can be a top tight end in the league.

Looking ahead to the 2016 season, the Packers are widely viewed as one of the favorites to win Super Bowl 51. They have a lot of competition in the NFC, but have good odds to be the best team in the conference when everything is said and done. Beating out the Carolina Panthers, Arizona Cardinals, and Seattle Seahawks will not be easy, but having a quarterback like Rodgers gives the Packers confidence.

Jared Cook caught 4 passes for 54 yards w/a long of 19 in that half. Beginning to see what kind of a chess piece he can be in GB's offense.

— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) August 27, 2016

If the Packers play up to their full potential, the offensive side of the football will be nearly impossible to stop. Cook makes things easier, but the Packers also have a plethora of talented wide receivers.

Jordy Nelson is making his return from a torn ACL but is expected to be just fine. Randall Cobb is going to get back to his role as the Packers’ No. 2 receiver option. Outside of the top two, the Packers have Ty Montgomery, Jeff Janis, Jared Abbrederis, Trevor Davis, Davante Adams, and possibly Geronimo Allison, who had a huge game last night as well.

Needless to say, the stage has been set for the regular season to kick off. Cook has finally shown the Packers what they were hoping to see while playing alongside Rodgers. There is no telling if things will go smoothly in the regular season, but it seems to have a very good chance of becoming something lethal.

Jared Cook is going to make himself a ton of money with the season he is going to have… Might be smartest one-year prove-it deal ever.

— Jersey Al – GBP (@JerseyAlGBP) August 27, 2016

Eddie Lacy also appears back in shape after seeing him play at a consistently high level in the first three preseason games. If he can return to his star form that he showed off during his first two NFL seasons, the Packers’ offense will have no holes as long as they stay healthy.

Expect to see Cook come through with a big season in 2016. He may not be a top five tight end, but he has a chance to put up that kind of production with Rodgers throwing him the football. Green Bay needs the tight end position to produce a lot more than it did last season and Cook is ready to step up and take on the challenge.

Do you think Jared Cook will come through with a big season for the Green Bay Packers? Will Cook help Rodgers get back to playing at an MVP level? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images]