The NFL draft season is always loaded with so many random rumors. Someone wants to push Player X up or down the draft board for whatever reason, and so they leak some information to their favorite media member. The latest random rumor about the San Francisco 49ers deals with Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook.
Bleacher Report NFL reporter Jason Cole threw this up against the wall on Monday, two days removed from the quarterback putting together a Combine performance that was up and down. You can watch the video here, but for those without access to video, here's what Cole had to say about Connor Cook and 49ers general manager Trent Baalke:
According to a source I spoke to at the NFL Scouting Combine, Trent Baalke, the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers has put a priority on quarterback Connor Cook of Michigan State, despite the fact that Cook has taken so much criticism throughout the year for his personality difficulties, and didn't throw the ball all that well during Combine drills on Saturday. Fact is, Cook having a shoulder injury going into the Combine, that's considered one of the reasons he didn't throw as well. And the reason that Baalke likes Cook so much is he likes the value. He thinks he's going to be able to get Cook in the second or third round of the draft. That makes him a much better value than taking some of the other quarterbacks in the draft that are expected to go much higher. That starts with Carson Wentz and Jared Goff, and then includes Paxton Lynch of the University of Memphis. All those guys are expected to go in the first round. The 49ers sit at No. 7 overall, and Baalke doesn't want to use that pick on a quarterback at this point in time. He would rather get somebody later, such as what he did when he picked Colin Kaepernick in the second round of the NFL Draft.
I suppose Baalke could have a soft spot for Connor Cook. I mean, what do I really know after all? However, given the various issues that seem to have arisen with him, I think it is OK to be at least a little skeptical. I suppose the 49ers could draft Cook after Patrick Willis returns from retirement, amirite?
I will say, of all that Cole said, there is something to be said for the last part about not wanting to spend a first round pick on a quarterback this year. There are quarterbacks that will go in the first round, but there is no "sure thing" quarterback that will be available to the 49ers. There is a lot of upside, but plenty of questions. If you're not sold on one of Jared Goff, Carson Wentz, or Paxton Lynch, there's no point in spending the pick on them. There are some seriously talented players available, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Both sides of the ball need work this offseason, so go with the guy who inspires the most confidence that he can be an impact player.