Connor Cook Could Be The Best QB In The 2016 NFL Draft Class

Connor Cook is not a name that normally comes up when talking about the best quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft. Jared Goff and Carson Wentz are the two names normally thrown around in that discussion.

While that may be the case, ESPN NFL analyst Jon Gruden threw Cook’s name into the discussion as a possibility to be the best quarterback in the draft class.

Jon Gruden just said on ESPN that Michigan State's Connor Cook "is gonna be perhaps the best QB in this draft."

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 7, 2016

It is certainly an intriguing thought to see Cook’s name mentioned by Gruden. There are not many analysts that are as hands-on with the quarterback prospects as Gruden has been throughout his career. Gruden is also a very respected former NFL head coach, which carries some weight as well.

Michigan State has not had many quarterbacks with the skill-set that Cook showed in his career with the Spartans. He will go down as one of the great quarterbacks for the school.

Last season with the Spartans, Cook ended up completing 56.1 percent of his pass attempts for 3,131 yards, 24 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. Those numbers show why Cook is a very intriguing prospect. His numbers look great outside of the completion percentage, which left a lot to be desired.

Standing in at six-foot, four-inches, and weighing 220 pounds, Cook is the ideal size for an NFL quarterback. He may have some things to learn on-the-field, but physical tools cannot be taught.

There are many teams that could use a young quarterback heading into the NFL Draft this year. Cook likely won’t end up going in the first round if projections end up holding, but he will be a mid-round pick. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and San Francisco 49ers could show interest in bringing him on board.

That being said, it is going to be very intriguing to keep an eye on Cook as the draft gets underway.

How far he will fall in the draft is completely unknown at this point in time. There are a lot of question marks surrounding his game, but he does have the potential to work his way into being a starter at the next level.

Another team to keep an eye on in the first round is the Los Angeles Rams, who currently hold the No. 15 overall pick. Cook would make a lot of sense for them and would thrive in Jeff Fisher’s offense. Los Angeles may very well be the best fit for him and would have a starting role open for him immediately.

Rumors and reports will continue coming out about the quarterback class in the draft. Cook has been flying under the radar throughout the entire draft process, which could help him in the long run. There will not be high expectations for him and the media will not be harassing him like they will the other top quarterbacks.

Cook has the talent to get wherever he wants, but he has to learn from his NFL coaching staff and allow them to mold his game. He has to figure out the mental side of the game as well if he wants to succeed against defenses at the next level.

Expect to continue hearing Cook’s name floating around in the coming weeks. He may not be one of the more talked about players in the draft, but he is certainly one of the most intriguing. Cook could end up climbing draft boards as the time draws closer, but for now he looks like a mid-round pick that has the potential to become a long-term starter for the team that selects him.

Do you think Connor Cook will end up being the best quarterback in the 2016 NFL Draft class? Which teams do you think would be the best fits for Cook?

[AP Photo/Brandon Wade]