NFL free agency rumors: CB Chris Cook to visit 49ers on Thursday, per Matt Barrows

Earlier this morning, San Francisco 49ers beat writer Matt Barrows reported the team was interested in cornerback Chris Cook. While a lot of names can end up just being speculation, it appears the report was on the money. Barrows is now reporting the 49ers will welcome Cook in for a visit on Thursday.

Barrows made a good point in his article about Cook's visit. While Cook has not quite panned out with the Minnesota Vikings, the former second round pick does possess some solid arm length. This is of note because of Trent Baalke's well-documented love of long arms. Cook measured in at 32 1/2 inches, and only five defensive backs measured longer (that's what she said).

Arm length does not guarantee success, but it provides a physical advantage that short-armed players at certain positions could use. If the 49ers were to sign him, what I think would be more important would be getting him on the field with secondary coach Ed Donatell. According to Pro Football Focus, Cook allowed a league-leading nine touchdowns in coverage, and gave up an opposing QB rating of 140.3 Working with Donatell won't guarantee success, but maybe it can help a little. Maybe he can't turn him into the big prospect coming out of Virginia, but maybe he can turn him into at least a serviceable option in the secondary.