The Saints parted ways with two productive members of their offense this offseason in Darren Sproles and Lance Moore, opening up an opportunity for a new face to threaten defenses on the receiving end of Drew Brees’ passes.
One player who is sure to get a long look at that role is first-round pick Brandin Cooks. The Saints traded up in the first round to assure that Cooks would be joining the team and Cooks knows New Orleans didn’t make that move so he could sit on the bench as a rookie.
“No doubt,” Cooks said. “They wouldn’t have drafted me if they didn’t feel like I could come in and make an immediate impact. I know that, and that’s what I’m putting on my shoulders and I’m going to continue to work for that.”
It’s only been a handful of practices, but the early reviews from Saints camp on Cooks are good, especially when it comes to his speed. If opposing defenses are forced to adapt to that speed, it will open up the field for Cooks’ teammates and he’ll have that desired impact even if he doesn’t put up gaudy receiving numbers. Should he click with Brees this summer, though, those numbers might be there and Cooks’ impact will be even bigger.