Brandin Cooks
WR, Oregon St. · 2014 NFL Draft, Round 1, pick #20 (NOR)
Why he was overlooked Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being undervalued: age, availability. Details below.
- Age
20 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 56.6% of the time (663 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 176 of ~197 possible regular-season games from 2014 through 2025 (career total from PFR, which may already include some 2026 games) (~89%).
- Pre-draft rankings
ESPN's pre-draft board ranked him #19 (#4 at his position), close to where he went (#20). The whole market, not just his team, missed on him.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.6% of the time (2,104 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- School
Oregon St.: a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.3% of the time (4,181 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.33 40-yard dash at 189 lbs: faster than 93% of WRs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 51.6% of the time (973 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
WR (WR group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 40.4% of the time (718 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a steal for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 176 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 10 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 73 |
| Rushing | 58 att, 341 yds, 2 TD |
| Receiving | 736 rec, 9,831 yds, 61 TD |
| Last NFL season | 2026 |
The 2014 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2014 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 21 or younger | 56.6% n=663 | |
| Pre-draft rankings Within a round of ESPN's rank | 50.6% n=2,104 | |
| School Power-conference school | 50.3% n=4,181 | |
| Athletic testing Top 25% at his position | 51.6% n=973 | |
| Position WR | 40.4% n=718 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 5' 10", 189 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.33 s |
| Bench press | 16 reps |
| Vertical | 36" |
| Broad jump | 120" |
| 3-cone | 6.76 s |
| Shuttle | 3.81 s |
| Arm / hand | 30.6" / 9.5" |
| Age at draft | 20 |
| ESPN pre-draft rank | #19 overall (#4 WR) |
Picked around him 2014 redraft
| 17 | C.J. Mosley | redraft #6 |
| 18 | Calvin Pryor | redraft #101 |
| 19 | Ja'Wuan James | redraft #62 |
| 21 | Ha Ha Clinton-Dix | redraft #44 |
| 22 | Johnny Manziel | redraft #155 |
| 23 | Dee Ford | redraft #71 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.