Brandin Cooks has had an embarrassment of riches when it comes to playing with NFL quarterbacks.
From 2014-16, he played with the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees. In 2017, his lone season with the New England Patriots, Cooks played with Tom Brady. For the past two seasons, the former 2014 first-round pick from Oregon State caught passes from Jared Goff with the Los Angeles Rams.
Now, Cooks will be teaming up with the Houston Texans’ Deshaun Watson, and there are three aspects of this union that excite Cooks.
1. Deshaun can throw the deep ball
Cooks mentioned in a conference call with the Houston media on April 30 that he has watched film on Watson, and has yet to see an instance where the Pro Bowler can’t make a specific throw.
“You look at a guy like Deshaun, just watching him from a distance and now watching film on him now that I’ve joined the team, the guy can throw every single ball,” said Cooks. “He throws the deep ball so great.”
Throwing the deep ball benefits a receiver such as Cooks who is known for his speed.
2. Deshaun can throw on the run
It is one thing if a quarterback has the ability to scramble. However, the added dimension of throwing on the run makes the passer virtually impossible to guard. Watson has that skill, and Cooks has seen it manifest on tape.
“He’s able to throw on the run and on the move,” Cooks said. “There’s a lot that you look at and you’re like, ‘Okay, what can this guy not do?’ You can’t answer that because he makes every single throw.”
3. Deshaun is an alpha competitor
The Texans always have a chance with Watson under center. No matter the venue, the opponent, or the score, the former 2017 first-round pick from Clemson gives Houston a shot in every ballgame.
There is no better example than Week 14 versus the Denver Broncos last season. Down 38-3 midway through the third quarter, Watson was still finding ways to marshal the Texans back to victory, even though it was a futile endeavor and Denver prevailed 38-24.
“Just from the little bit that I’m gaining from him, his process and his hunger and his drive and dedication is there as well,” said Cooks.
When the NFL is finally able to commence its offseason program in reality, Cooks will finally have a chance to get up close and personal with the traits he likes about his new quarterback.
