NFL: Five rookie WRs in best position to succeed

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Mike Evans (Texas A&M) poses with his jersey after being selected as the number seven overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Brandin Cooks (Oregon State) poses for photos after being selected as the number twenty overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the New Orleans Saints at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

“Darren Sproles, who?”

That’s the thought most New Orleans Saints fans will have once Brandin Cooks begins doing what he does best — blowing past defenders. Cooks was the No. 20 overall pick, but is No. 1 in terms of speed. He blazed a 4.33 forty at the NFL Combine, topping all others at the position.

Cooks, a 5-foot-10 jitterbug, is coach Sean Payton‘s new, shiny toy with which to work around the formation. He’s essentially a younger, cheaper version of Sproles — who was traded to the Eagles in March — but offers much higher upside.

During recent OTAs and minicamp, Cooks earned the nickname “Lightning” from his teammates and also drew particular praise from some guy named Drew Brees. That he’s already made a positive impact in New Orleans is no surprise but encouraging nonetheless.

Cooks is Payton’s movable chess piece, meaning he’ll rarely come off the field. You should expect upward of 70 receptions and 800 yards in his rookie campaign. And that may be a conservative estimate.

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